As anyone watching the news or even their own bank accounts can attest, prices are up and budgets are tight. Perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than in the high cost of housing.

In 2008, almost half of Savannah households were paying 41% of their gross income on housing costs. The target value is to pay no more than 30% of income on housing. Still, the prospect of homelessness often falls into the “it-could-never-happen-to-me” category. A fascinating new online game, however, challenges that notion and illustrates just how difficult it is for many families to stay in their homes and out of poverty.

From the Urban Ministries of Durham and the McKinney advertising agency comes SPENT, an interactive tool that challenges players to survive a month as a low-income worker. You may survive your 30 days, but chances are you’ll encounter unexpected obstacles along the way and be forced to make difficult decisions.

Can you afford your rent on your low and often variable salary, much less pay your utility bills? Do you purchase health insurance at a high premium, or risk going without? Do you buy the healthy food, or go with the cheaper option high in fat? These are just a few of the questions raised by SPENT and faced daily by people in our community.

Without support and viable alternatives, it is difficult to break out of this cycle. This is one reason why Step Up is working to create greater affordable housing options and an Affordable Housing Trust Fund in Savannah.

Play "SPENT," and see what it takes to stay afloat!