Albert Vasquez Jr. was released from jail about a month ago. He and his wife had a baby daughter at around that same time. She is less than one month old. Albert’s wife and daughter are living in a family shelter in Reno while he struggles to find income in order to improve his family’s situation.
Albert Vasquez, Jr., out in the cold in Reno, NV.
On Being Homeless:
“Having to look at myself in the mirror and say ‘Hey you’re homeless’ is hard. I lost my job, went to jail, came back out here and I came out to the cold weather and the snow. I’ve been trying to get on my feet. It’s kind of hard. I’m not stuck on drugs, I’m not an alcoholic, but with the cold weather and my criminal background it doesn’t make it any easier [finding a job]. Any penny I get or any dollar goes to them [my family] so they can get whatever they need; coats, jackets and anything else my daughter needs for the winter.”
Albert's message to other Renoites:
“If there’s any funding or any people that want to come out and help. Please do.”
On the Happiest Day in His Life:
“The happiest day of my life was seeing my daughter born. I was in jail and my wife was having contractions. I was like, I’m willing to give up my prior lifestyle in order to be out there to see my daughter born. That’s my pride and joy, right there.”
Photos, interview and text by Jose Olivares
