Household Survival Simulation

In-person interactive experience

Understanding ALICE®

The Household Survival Simulation is an interactive activity designed to place participants in the shoes of ALICE families as they navigate the realities of balancing income, expenses, and everyday needs. This simulation focuses on the financial pressures households experience when managing a monthly budget and making decisions based on limited resources.

What to Expect

Participants are assigned a household profile and challenged to make choices related to housing, childcare, transportation, food, healthcare, and other essential expenses. Through this simulation, participants gain a deeper understanding of the impossible decisions many working families face when income does not keep pace with the rising cost of living.

Families may find themselves choosing between necessities, such as navigating unforeseen childcare expenses, paying a utility bill, or addressing a health challenge. This simulation builds understanding and encourages participants to better recognize the experiences of families who are working hard, making challenging choices, and doing everything they can to create stability.

This simulation has been done for companies, community leaders, church groups, and more. If you are interested in UWYC facilitating this simulation with your group, please complete the form below.

“Even knowing it was a simulation, the stress was real. Trying to manage monthly expenses on a limited budget made it painfully clear how one small, unexpected cost can force impossible tradeoffs. Keeping internet access or putting fresh food on the table. Choosing between reliable cell service or childcare. Buying produce and protein versus relying on ultra-processed food because it is cheaper.”

Caroline L. — Simulation Participant