Mr. José Gutiérrez, 68, has been a loyal client since the programs that gave birth to FUNDEVI. In his own words: “was the first institution that gave me the opportunity for a loan; because in the hardest moments they helped me, and because they trusted in me doors were opened to make my business grow”.

Mr. José shares that: “to sustain my three children, more than 30 years ago, I started to sell hotdogs in the streets of San Pedro Sula, going from place to place until I located in Junior Avenue. With the idea of selling more, I tried to diverse with soy meat, beef, pork, and chicken. I kept chicken because it is the one that the customers have liked the most”.

He continued saying that: “with low income and a land, I ventured myself to build a house for my family. I knocked on lots of doors, but it was always the same: lots of requirements, complex procedures, and in the end, didn't approve the loan. Everything changed when I arrived at FUNDEVI. Sooner than expected, they approved my first loan; that was how I built the first part of my house; it was basic: one bedroom, one common area, but I knew I could improve it later.”

With a lot of joy, Mr.  José said that: “as his business was growing, I asked for another loan with FUNDEVI. With the second loan, I built three bedrooms, a dining room and, expanding the front part. I was happy with my house, and I soon finished paying for it. On the other side, my business was growing, and by that time, I already had two hotdog carts.”

But soon everything changed for Mr. José, who sadly says: “The Zetas kidnapped one of my sons in the USA – Mexico border. Desperate for my son, I mortgaged my house with another financial institution with high-interest rates that I couldn't afford but, thank God my son returned safely”.

Mr. José remembers the difficult situation he had to go through and says: “I got stuck with an unpayable debt. Very worried, I knocked on FUNDEVI’s doors again because I was about to lose my house. I will never forget the dedication they had to search for a solution. They granted me credit with special conditions considering my situation and good credit record.”

“If I was already thankful to FUNDEVI after they gave me their hand when I most needed, there are no words to express my gratitude. No doubt I would be living in the street homeless and without business”, says Mr. José with gratitude, who recommended FUNDEVI to his family. His children now have their own home, thanks to FUNDEVI.

Currently, despite the pandemic, the hotdog business has grown and is now called Choripanes Alfa & Omega. He also has cars for deliveries and a taxi service. Mr. José concludes by saying: “I am grateful with FUNDEVI because, after God, I have found a way out of my problems, making my way through”.