Alberto Figueroa had resigned himself to believing he would die on the streets, after a decade of living alone and abandoned amongst garbage and bushes.
The 63 year old, originally from Mexico, says it was his vices that got the best of him.
“I liked to drink a lot and smoke, and little by little I lost everything, until one day I found myself sleeping under a bridge. I didn’t have any other option than to get used to sleeping in extreme cold and heat,” said Figueroa.
He began to realize his addictions were slowly killing him. He had lost a lot of weight, several parts of his body were ailing and walking was becoming more and more difficult. He made the decision to quit his habits and begin a new chapter of his life.
“I tried to look for work, but since I’m old and sick no one gave me a chance. I was barely able to scrape a few dollars together to get something to eat,” he explained.
Disappointed but motivated to move forward with his life, Figueroa changed his living situation, in order to distance himself from the negative influences surrounding him. He went to live in the middle of a wooded area in Chamblee, hidden from view from the public and the authorities, since he knew he was violating city ordinances and could be thrown out at any moment if discovered.
He’d emerge every so often just to look for something to eat and to ask strangers for money, in order to buy medicine for his many ailments.
Several people came into contact with Figueroa while he was out on these missions in shopping areas and in restaurants along Buford Highway. They noticed his fragile health and became concerned for his well being, even going so far as to contact MundoHispánico newspaper to get him help.
Within hours of Figueroa’s story being published, the Latino community came to his rescue. Entire families showed up at his humble residence in the woods, bringing clothing, provisions and money for his medications.
In spite of the fact that Figueroa requires urgent medical treatment – he suffers from diabetes, is losing his vision, and has noticeable skin infections – the outpouring of support gave him renewed hope.
“I’m alone here in Georgia, and I never mattered to anyone before… thank you,” he said to those who brought him donations.
The most pressing matter, however, was to find proper housing, as Figueroa feared his body would not make it through the upcoming winter.
Two days after his story came to light, a married Latino couple offered him the opportunity to come live with them in their home in Monroe, in his own room.
Freed from the stresses of enduring the elements or worrying about where his next meal is coming from, Figueroa can now enjoy, for the first time in years, hot showers and a table to sit at and eat.
The family who took Figueroa under their wing also put him in treatment for his health conditions. In fact, he will have eye surgery next month.
In addition to providing much needed donations, the community also united to help Figueroa with his medical expenses, raising nearly $5,000 in just one week.
“I feel pleased with God, there are still a lot of good people in this world,” he said.
About the Author
