Refrigerator for Paulina
Paulina, 56, lives a life of extreme frugality, doing everything she can to stay out of debt. No matter how careful she is, however, there are times when she simply cannot stretch her tiny income in order to buy food and medicine. Paulina worked in a factory, at a minimum wage, but it closed because of Corona. She has had no earnings for four months.
Paulina’s two sons, ages 31 and 14, live with her. Her older son also lost his job because of the virus and is now looking for work. Some years ago, Paulina was witness to a terrorist attack, after which she developed depression and other emotional issues. She also suffers from chronically inflamed vertebrae which cause her constant pain.
The three live in a small public housing unit. Most of the furniture is broken or missing and the appliances don’t work, but Paulina cannot afford to buy even the most essential items. Her neighbors gave her an old refrigerator that lasted for a few years, but it no longer stays cool and the food quickly spoils (a loss that is especially severe, given her budget). The technician says that there is no way to fix it. Paulina and her sons need a refrigerator, even a small one, but purchasing one is beyond her means.
