Abel’s Story
At a recent visit to Mesa Llena—a Food Bank RGV partner pantry in Brownsville—Abel picked up a small bag of food to help him get through the weekend. Inside were some of his favorites: tuna, peanut butter, and, when available, fresh fruit.
Abel was born in 1968 and raised in a hardworking family. His mother worked at the Levi’s factory, and his stepfather was a firefighter and a mechanic for Sears. From a young age, he was taught the value of hard work—and he lived it.
For decades, he worked as a mechanic, plumber, car detailer, and even in the oil fields, often starting his days before 6 a.m. and pushing through long, grueling shifts.
“I was never afraid of work,” he said.
In 2018, Abel experienced two major losses—his mother passed away, and the family’s home was destroyed in a fire. Even after the fire, he kept pushing forward, working at gas stations, restaurants, and doing whatever he could to support himself: cutting grass, picking up odd jobs, staying busy. He was never able to rebuild the home, but he didn’t give up.
Then, last year, everything changed. On his way home from meeting with his pastor, Abel suffered a stroke. It left him barely able to walk or use his hands. Speaking at times can be difficult for him. The work he once relied on to survive is now out of reach.
Today, Abel sleeps under the carport on the same empty lot where his house once stood. His faithful companion is Lobo, a white dog who never leaves his side.
He receives breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Good Neighbor Settlement House Monday through Friday. On weekends, when meals aren’t served, he relies on the food bags from Mesa Llena to get by. And when that’s not enough, he quietly searches through trash bins at a nearby school—where, he believes, someone thoughtfully separates food waste, perhaps knowing it might help someone like him.
“I wouldn’t wish the life I’m living on anyone,” Abel said. “But this place—Good Neighbor and the Food Bank—they actually help us. I never really understood how much until now.”
Through everything, Abel’s faith remains strong. He hasn’t given up hope. He prays for healing and for the chance to one day provide for himself again.
