A non-profit group in Syracuse is hoping to raise awareness about the growing issue of poverty in the city and what can be done to help change it.
Visions for Change says more than 130,000 people inside the city limits live below the poverty line.
In New York, that's classified as a family of four with an income of about $23,000 or less.
The group is hosting a poverty simulation event at the Genesee Grand for people to see how much of a problem the situation is and, more importantly, what can be done to combat it.
"We can all really start to talk together," said Rhonda O'Connor, the organization's community engagement director. "That's what this all is. It really gets us to come together to say, 'I didn't realize that was really what went on. And, what can we do to make our community stronger, and healthier?'"
Visions for change is urging any group who would like to help combat poverty to reach out and join their cause.
The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Genesee Grande at 1060 East Genesee Street in Syracuse. Admission is $5.