The Retirement Home for Prostitutes also know as Casa Xochiquetzal (The House of the Beautiful Flowers), was established in Mexico City in the Tepito neighborhood.
This community center for sex workers, was inspired in 2007 by former prostitute, Carmen Munoz, when she saw how many old sex workers in Mexico City were sleeping on the streets. Carman was discussed at the sight and was determined to help in anyway possible. She spent many years lobbying for support from the government as well as local media. The mayor at the time, Andres Manuel Lopes Obrador, gave Carman an old run down 18th century house. Carmen spent much time transforming this house into what now houses 23 old Mexican prostitutes, with 45 current vacancies. Now there is only one stipulation when staying here (besides the obvious ones being an ex-prostitute), women have to be at least 60 years of age. Interestingly enough, women who stay at Casa Xochiquetzal, choose to continue practicing their job, even when they are required not to. All I know is this is truly the sign of a new age.
