José Gonzalo is a Survivor. His wife and four children look up to him and he takes tremendous pride in the work he does to provide for them. I met José and his youngest daughter last week on a visit to the department of Cabañas. The family lives in the city of Sesuntepeque and has dreams of operating a neighborhood tienda (store) out of their home.

Armando Hernández, an Outreach Worker for the Survivor Network, said that because Cabañas is the most impoverished department in El Salvador, the economic conditions make it extremely difficult for people there to make a living.

During the summer months José and his son work in agriculture, but four months out of the year (during the rainy season) there is not much work. The absence of a consistent flow of income is difficult for the family of six. José believes the modest profits from a family store would provide them with the extra support they need.

Last year he opened a small tienda where he sold basic food staples and other household items. The shop was located in the center of town and initially was doing very well. But after an escalation of crime in the area, and a murder that occurred just outside the storefront, José was forced to close the shop because of a lack of clientele.

José has been involved with the Survivor Network in Cabañas for just over a year. He spends time with his Outreach Worker, Armando, and has attended a series of workshops about small-business management. Armando has recommended José as a candidate for the Economic Opportunity Program at the Survivor Network. If his application is approved, José will be eligible for economic assistance (in the form of supplies and materials).

“This is my second chance,” José said.

He has already begun construction on the tienda and has purchased a refrigerator to store cold goods. His home is located in a safe neighborhood, and because it’s along one of the major roads leading into town, José is confident there will be a steady flow of customers.

The Survivor Network advisory committee will meet in the next few weeks to review José’s case and determine his need and eligibility for assistance.