They had very little money, possible just enough cash to pay the taxes. That is the meaning here. Wrapped up in strips of cloths which she had. Possibly she tore one of her meager dresses into strips. She had very little, but she did not quit.
Mothers are like that.
A good mother makes the best of the circumstances of life. She gives her all for her children. You are my piece of foreign sky. You are my blue Italian lake. You are the trip I did not take.