Luisa used to work in a clothing store, but now looks after Juanito full-time while her husband, Ricardo Quintín, works as a delivery driver for a local auto parts shop, earning about 2,000 pesos ($112) a week. Each journey to Mexico City costs about 800 pesos ($45) in buses and taxis to and from the shelter, and then back home again.Much of what Ricardo earns goes towards this transport, food, nappies and anything else Juanito might need, as well as utilities, groceries and any emergencies. Though they live rent-free in a one-room house owned by Luisa’s parents, money is always tight.Although Luisa can stay at the shelter for free, longer stays bring additional costs – taxis when hospital schedules do not align with the AMANC centre’s minibus runs or when she is held up waiting for hours in overcrowded facilities, food during long visits, and necessities like nappies, baby formula and medication, all of which cost more in the capital.“I try not to spend too much so the money lasts,” she says. “I just eat simply.”When her husband accompanies her to appointments to support her, he sometimes misses work, reducing the family’s income further.“I don’t like to ask my parents for money,” Luisa says quietly. “They …
