Students at Dutchess Community College explored what life in poverty could be like in a simulation held on the campus Saturday. 

Social services organization Community Action Partnership for Dutchess County worked with the college to hold a poverty simulation exercise for the third year.  

Organizers placed attendees into family groups where they struggled to balance everyday experiences like working, finding transportation, paying bills and caring for loved ones. 

"I think it's a real eye-opener to how people around you could be struggling and you not even know it," said Family Resources Coordinator Melissa Piscitello. Piscitello says the simulation gives students a look at the difficulties and frustrations families have when dealing with poverty.  

Students who participated simulated real-life events such as job loss, incarceration, transporation and childcare issues and other factors that organizers say contribute to poverty in the region.