This is a group photo from the first poverty simulation in 1986 in front of Caritas on Washington Avenue. During poverty simulation, attendees select three items they arrived with to keep. This could include a sleeping bag, a toothbrush, or even a ponytail holder. They then go to Mission Waco’s voucher center and select an outfit (one “top” item and one “bottom” item, like a shirt and pants) and shoes. Just like those coming to the voucher center for their clothes, there is no guarantee the center has shoes in the right sizes for all attendees. The weekend consists of sleeping outside, finding ways to eat, and learning about poverty in Waco and around the world.