Maribel Vega, a resident of San Luis, is struggling to support herself and her 82-year-old mother, who suffers from motor disabilities following several embolisms. Since her father's death six years ago, Vega has taken full responsibility for her mother's essential daily needs, including bathing, dressing, and feeding.
To generate income while remaining available for caregiving, Vega collects recyclable materials such as aluminum and iron to sell at collection centers. However, the earnings are often insufficient to cover basic daily expenses. Recent extreme heat has further complicated her efforts, making it difficult to collect materials frequently enough to afford food and necessary medical supplies like diapers for her mother.