Entergy recently partnered with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana to host a poverty simulation designed to deepen understanding of the difficult realities facing ALICE households — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — who often earn above the federal poverty level yet still cannot afford a basic survival budget.
The exercise brought together about 140 participants, including policymakers and Entergy stakeholders committed to strengthening support systems for families struggling to make ends meet.
Held at the New Orleans Saints Indoor Practice Facility, the simulation assigned participants roles based on real‑world family scenarios. Over four compressed “weeks,” volunteers were tasked with securing housing, childcare, transportation and employment while confronting sudden setbacks such as eviction notices, lost wages, medical bills and service barriers. Stations around the field represented the institutions families rely on — schools, employers, a community action agency, a utility provider, childcare resources and payday and title loan lenders — challenging participants to navigate services often overstretched or inaccessible.
Rob Hatley, Entergy’s group vice president of corporate affairs and communications, opened the event by underscoring why empathy is essential to Entergy’s community mission.
“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. “A significant part of that commitment is working to better understand the challenges faced by our customers living with limited incomes. Today’s simulation gives us a valuable opportunity to step into their shoes and get a first-hand view of the difficult choices and obstacles so many families navigate every day.”
Key policymakers participated gaining a firsthand perspective on the daily struggles constituents face. Jody Montelaro, Entergy Louisiana’s vice president of public affairs, said the experience offers policymakers an important lens into the realities constituents face.
“Our team works year‑round to ensure policymakers have an accurate and complete understanding of what customers are facing,” Montelaro said. “The scenarios you navigate — sudden bills, unexpected expenses, service barriers — mirror the very challenges lawmakers hear from constituents. When they raise those concerns with us, our credibility depends on how well we understand the real experiences behind them.”
The event concluded with a reflection circle, where participants described the experience as eye‑opening and humbling.
“The experience of stepping into the shoes of those who have limited resources and live in poverty was eye-opening and impactful,” said Entergy employee Vonda Flentroy-Rice. “The simulation helped me better understand the day-to-day struggles our low-income customers endure and the need for us to step up and help.”
Learn more here about Entergy’s year-round initiatives dedicated to help our customers and communities that we serve.
