Hilda
Lori Connell
Hilda is one of Mi Esperanza's first women. She came to us as an abused woman of an alcoholic husband. Hilda's husband spent nearly everything he made on alcohol. She requested a micro-loan to start a business that would enable her to support herself and her children and be able to leave her abusive situation. Hilda received a loan of $180.00 and started her business, which sells household supplies, including trash bags, toilet paper, and cleaners. Hilda traveled in and around her community to sell her items and began to create an income for her family. When Hilda repaid her loan, her life had undergone a complete transformation. Hilda found that HOPE CHANGES THINGS. With the hope for a different future, Luis (Hilda's husband) also saw reason to change. Luis brought a bicycle with a crate attached and began operating the business. Soon after, Luis purchased a small motorcycle and continued to work for his family. Luis has stopped drinking, and he and Hilda are very happy.
Hilda at a glance
Children: 3
Community: Sector Ocho
Mi Esperanza Course: Micro-credit recipient
Updates
February 2014
The micro-loan Hilda received over a decade ago has been a life-changing experience for her and her family. Hilda and Luis continue to run the family sales business. Although what they sell has changed over the years, the business has maintained their family. With a stable source of income, they have had consistent food, water, shelter, medical care, and education for their children. All these things break the cycle of extreme poverty.
November 2010
Visiting Hilda and Luis is always a joy! Luis has been able to buy a new motorcycle to work the family business, which is a big step up from walking when we first met them. They have begun a second business...Hilda sells cooking wood at the house for those in the village. The children are great. Jimmy and Yulissa are in school, and their oldest son works to help support the family's expenses. Luis and Hilda have become community leaders and greatly help when volunteers come to serve the community.