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 Juan Carlos
SOL Precinct Walker,
Fresno, California
"People want hope. That is what we must give."
Today, Juan Carlos is struggling to make a good start in his new home in Fresno California. In recent months his family has had financial setbacks, but he has not lost his spirit. "In Mexico I was a Taxi driver. I lived to talk to my passengers. Here I love to talk with my fellow immigrants."
Juan Carlos grew up in Mexico City. His family, like so many others saw their fortunes rise and then fall again despite their hard work. In 1998, as the economy again began to tumble, Juan Carlos made the journey to California. "My mom was sick, they needed me to come here to help."
Juan Carlos earned enough to help pull his family through the tough times. Then in 2003, Juan Carlos and his new wife made a decision. They were thinking about their young son. "We came for a better life."
Like so many other immigrants' journeys to the United States, their journey was perilous. As they crossed the desert, his family was held hostage by robbers while crossing the border.
"I spoke to the robber, as I would to any man. I told him about my wife and son." The robbers were dumb-founded. Juan Carlos had remarkably made a human connection in the most inhumane of circumstances. "They let my wife go." Days later, Juan Carlos rejoined his family here in California.
For Juan Carlos, life here has been better. He has worked jobs in construction, in distribution, and in the fields. Yet life here has had its travails.
He recently moved out of his rental apartment because the building was in disrepair. He and his family now live in a hotel, uncertain where they can find a new permanent home. Juan Carlos has been shaken, but his confidence endures.
"So many immigrants live in fear, so many fall into depression." For Juan Carlos, being a part of SOL has sustained him. "I know people want hope. That is what we must give." Going from door to door, from morning to early evening does not seem like work. "I am thankful, I keep dreaming of what is possible."
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