Entergy recently teamed up with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana for an immersive poverty simulation aimed at helping participants better understand the challenges faced by ALICE households — people who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. Although these households may earn more than the federal poverty threshold, many still struggle to cover the basic costs of everyday life.
The event brought together approximately 140 participants, including policymakers and Entergy stakeholders focused on improving the support available to families experiencing financial hardship.
Hosted at the New Orleans Saints Indoor Practice Facility, the simulation placed participants in roles modeled on realistic family circumstances. During four simulated “weeks,” they had to find and maintain housing, arrange childcare, secure transportation and keep employment while dealing with unexpected crises. These included eviction threats, reduced income, medical expenses and difficulties accessing essential services.
Various stations throughout the facility represented organizations and services that families commonly depend on, including schools, employers, community action agencies, utility providers, childcare services and payday and title loan businesses. Participants had to navigate these systems while dealing with limited resources, long lines and other obstacles that can make assistance difficult to obtain.
Rob Hatley, Entergy’s group vice president of corporate affairs and communications, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of understanding the experiences of the communities the company serves.
“At Entergy, our mission goes beyond providing reliable power. It includes strengthening the communities we serve and supporting the people who call them home,” Hatley said. He added that the simulation provided an opportunity for participants to experience, even briefly, the difficult decisions and barriers faced by customers with limited incomes.
Several policymakers also took part, gaining a more direct understanding of the pressures many constituents encounter. Jody Montelaro, vice president of public affairs for Entergy Louisiana, said experiences such as the simulation can help policymakers connect the issues they hear about from constituents with the realities behind those concerns.
“Our team works year-round to ensure policymakers have an accurate and complete understanding of what customers are facing,” Montelaro said. She noted that unexpected expenses, financial emergencies and difficulties accessing services are challenges frequently raised by constituents, making firsthand understanding particularly valuable.
The simulation ended with a group reflection session. Participants described the experience as both revealing and humbling, highlighting how quickly an unexpected expense or disruption can destabilize a household operating with little financial cushion.
Entergy employee Vonda Flentroy-Rice said the exercise gave her a deeper appreciation of the pressures experienced by people with limited financial resources. She described the experience as eye-opening and impactful, saying it strengthened her understanding of the everyday difficulties faced by low-income customers and reinforced the importance of finding ways to provide greater support.
Click here to know more.
The event brought together approximately 140 participants, including policymakers and Entergy stakeholders focused on improving the support available to families experiencing financial hardship.
Hosted at the New Orleans Saints Indoor Practice Facility, the simulation placed participants in roles modeled on realistic family circumstances. During four simulated “weeks,” they had to find and maintain housing, arrange childcare, secure transportation and keep employment while dealing with unexpected crises. These included eviction threats, reduced income, medical expenses and difficulties accessing essential services.
Various stations throughout the facility represented organizations and services that families commonly depend on, including schools, employers, community action agencies, utility providers, childcare services and payday and title loan businesses. Participants had to navigate these systems while dealing with limited resources, long lines and other obstacles that can make assistance difficult to obtain.
Rob Hatley, Entergy’s group vice president of corporate affairs and communications, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of understanding the experiences of the communities the company serves.
“At Entergy, our mission goes beyond providing reliable power. It includes strengthening the communities we serve and supporting the people who call them home,” Hatley said. He added that the simulation provided an opportunity for participants to experience, even briefly, the difficult decisions and barriers faced by customers with limited incomes.
Several policymakers also took part, gaining a more direct understanding of the pressures many constituents encounter. Jody Montelaro, vice president of public affairs for Entergy Louisiana, said experiences such as the simulation can help policymakers connect the issues they hear about from constituents with the realities behind those concerns.
“Our team works year-round to ensure policymakers have an accurate and complete understanding of what customers are facing,” Montelaro said. She noted that unexpected expenses, financial emergencies and difficulties accessing services are challenges frequently raised by constituents, making firsthand understanding particularly valuable.
The simulation ended with a group reflection session. Participants described the experience as both revealing and humbling, highlighting how quickly an unexpected expense or disruption can destabilize a household operating with little financial cushion.
Entergy employee Vonda Flentroy-Rice said the exercise gave her a deeper appreciation of the pressures experienced by people with limited financial resources. She described the experience as eye-opening and impactful, saying it strengthened her understanding of the everyday difficulties faced by low-income customers and reinforced the importance of finding ways to provide greater support.
Click here to know more.
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