More than 1.4 billion people live in poverty, and many individuals never understand what impoverished people endure. Through the ASSETS Alliance by Faith Club, six ASSETS Academy students were given the opportunity to experience living life impoverished through Mission Waco’s Poverty Simulation program.

The six students embarked on their journey the first weekend in November, and were taken out of their comfort zones to gain an understanding of what it is like living in poverty. The students began their trip by sleeping outside, by spending time with children who live in poverty, and by eating whatever they could find for nourishment in area trash cans. The students also attended a church service outside under a bridge with people who were homeless, and some of whom were drug addicts.

“This was an opportunity for our students to see the world through different eyes,” said Tracy Hummel, Principal of ASSETS Academy. “The experience allowed them to gain an appreciation for what they do have, and compassion for those who do not have,” added Hummel.