Joshua Rojas works the overnight shift at the Harris County Probation Office in Houston, Texas as a security officer. His role is vital -- he monitors the front entrance, watching everyone who enters and leaves the building, including prisoners who are turning themselves in.

In spite of the important role Joshua plays in keeping Houston safe, he is currently paid less $17,000 a year by his employer, a private security company. On a salary barely above the poverty level for a family of two, Joshua supports himself and his ill mother.

"My mother came to Houston from New York a year ago. She was homeless. I struggle to pay my monthly bills and take care of both her and myself," Joshua says. Joshua's mother suffers from seizures and, over the past year, has had four different surgeries. She is constantly in and out of hospitals. Her seizures require regular medication, and Joshua struggles to buy her medicine every month.