Mexico City

Esperanza used to sell small goods door-to-door to make a living. On the outskirts of Mexico City, where millions of people live in extreme poverty, she struggled to provide for herself and two teenage children. When the price of tortillas and other staple foods skyrocketed, she feared that her children would go hungry.

Then Esperanza received a small loan from a microfinance association in her neighborhood that is supported by ELCA World Hunger. This microfinance program gave Esperanza an opportunity to become an entrepreneur. She started a small store in her home, which now generates enough income to support her family. Each week she hosts meetings on her patio with other members of the program.

Members of the microfinance program are involved in all aspects of its operation, including administration of the loans. Members support each other in paying back the loans; the repayment rate is over 90 percent. Because of this program, Esperanza sees real change in her community and is able to sustain her family.