|
|
|
During 2007 and early 2008 there was a decrease in participation from the Corazón families in our different communities, particularly in Tijuana. During interviews, visits to communities and informal information gathering, the Mexico staff concluded the reason behind the decrease in participation was the incorporation of the participants to jobs in the manufacturing and service industries near their communities. Since participating in Corazón, many families had satisfied their basic needs for shelter, self esteem, community, safety, education, among the most important.
In mid 2008, participation increased, particularly in the Tijuana communities. As the U.S. and Mexico economy declined, participants began to lose their jobs. Until December 2008, at least one of the providers in the home, most of the times the women, had lost their job. This meant fewer resources for the family to satisfy basic needs like transportation, food, and utilities (water, energy, gas).
Many manufacturing plants in Tijuana and Tecate either reduced up to 80% of their workforce or closed completely after January 2009. Following the closing of manufacturing plants, service businesses, particularly small businesses, followed suit. This affected our communities. Today, there are families with no income. The Corazón Mexico Office has received at least three requests for food aid since February 2009 and numbers have risen to an average five requests per week.
The Corazón participants remain active while Corazón has services to offer. The main service participants used was the donation exchange. Donations have dropped drastically because of the increase border measures implemented to curtail the violence in Mexico; thus, leaving many participants wondering if Corazón will be able to help in this special time of crisis.
This is not just about handing out food. It is about providing our families with the support and resources they need. Read about Supporting Activities and our Goals and Objectives.
These are the items that each food
basket will contain:
1 Kg Beans
1 Kg. Rice
1 L Vegetable oil
100 g Salt
1 Kg Flour
1 L Tomato paste
1 Kg. Margarine
Or sponsor a CARE package for $35 by clicking here.