ABSTRACT
In a western state there is a small, rural town we can call Crow Crossing, with a population of about 200. It is surrounded by larger cities that offer some variety in banks, grocery stores, clothes shops, entertainment, and other services, but the closest city is 20 miles away. Crow Crossing itself does not have a bank, school, or large grocery store. Instead, it has only a small post office and a very small convenience store where items are limited and expensive. The town’s population consists mostly of Hispanic/Latino elderly individuals and young families who work at nearby farms or mills or who commute at least 50 miles to cities with more industry. Public transportation is nonexistent.
