Bringing hope to Nogales

Jose Luis Reza sits atop a pickup truck he's working on at his auto repair shop in Nogales, Sonora. "I started with nothing. Now I have a cement floor" and a roof is under construction, Reza says, crediting a micro-loan program. Small-business owners apply in groups for loans to begin their …

Bringing hope to Nogales

Business partners Magda Enriqueta Gaona Enciso, left, and Graciela Gastélum Soto work at their taqueria in Nogales, Sonora. They sell their tacos under a tarp but long to move into a permanent home. They want to add several items to their menu and also hope to have entertainment at their new…

Bringing hope to Nogales

Jesus Brigieo balls up pans of dough for baking at his panadería on Wednesday, March 6 in Nogales, Sonora. He recently hired an employee.

Bringing hope to Nogales

Alfredo Martinez stands in his mercado in Nogales, Sonora. Martinez was able to use loans to rebuild his home with cement blocks and also rent a second storefront where he wants to add a refrigerator for meats and cheeses.

Bringing hope to Nogales

The mechanic dreams of an enclosed garage; the roadside taco vendor dreams of a permanent shop. The bread baker hopes to make wedding cakes one day and the bodega owner is saving for a refrigerator to add a butcher counter.