United Way of Henry County and Martinsville will hold a poverty simulation Oct.

United Way of Henry County and Martinsville will hold a poverty simulation Oct. 27 at the West Piedmont Higher Education Center in Martinsville. Participants will take on family roles and try to meet basic needs during four 15-minute rounds, each representing a week.

The simulation is designed to show some of the decisions people face with limited resources. Participants may portray families dealing with job loss or homelessness, seniors living on disability or retirement benefits, or grandparents raising grandchildren. Tables will represent community services such as employers, utilities, grocery stores, schools, health centers and child care providers.

The release cites poverty rates of 9.9 percent statewide, 16 percent in Henry County and 23.5 percent in Martinsville. The latest Census Bureau figures put the statewide rate at 9.7 percent, with Henry County at 16 percent and Martinsville at 23.5 percent, and list median household incomes of $50,760 in Henry County and $46,727 in Martinsville. Participant registration is available through Eventbrite, and volunteer registration is available through EngageHCM.org. For information, contact Brandy Lawless at 276-638-3946, extension 109.

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Source note: Star News TV · Oct 22, 2026 4:46 PM.