Alyssa and Anthony are both working full-time in Austin, Texas, but their jobs do not pay them enough to cover their expenses. They live in a small duplex with their daughter Phoebe, but struggle to pay their rent, utilities and water bills, and afford enough food for the week.
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program helps Alyssa and Anthony buy food, diapers, toothbrushes and toothpaste for their daughter. Because both of them work full-time jobs, however, they were cut off from receiving food stamps and sometimes can’t afford food for themselves. Phoebe’s health care is covered through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) program, but her parents’ job doesn’t provide affordable coverage.
Because they can’t afford child care, Alyssa and Anthony work different shifts at the same fast-food restaurant so that someone is always available to take care of Phoebe. They can barely find time to spend with each other, which puts a strain on their relationship. Though they’re struggling to make ends meet, Alyssa and Anthony want to one day have a house of their own, two working cars, and jobs with benefits.
