unheard voices
albert
"Yo yo my name is Albert Ray
I'm just here to see the way
I come from Napa Valley
straight from Cali San Bernadino Way"
This how Albert introduces himself to me. He's been rapping since he was 10 years old. He enjoys doing activities that the average Coloradoan does, such as skateboarding and snowboarding.
"My biggest struggle is drug addiction and alcohol addiction," Albert expresses.
After getting to know him, it becomes visible that this is the case. His blue eyes are glazed over like a doughnut, and at times he can't look at me in the eye.
He became homeless after going to jail for assault in the workplace. He says to me that he learned his lesson.
I'm having trouble believing he went to jail for assault. In front of me stands this charismatic young man, who appears as if he wouldn't hurt a fly. He embodies a child-like innocence that trumps any notion of criminality.
Albert is a common visitor of the Murphy Center and Rescue Mission. Due to his ongoing battle with drug and alcohol addiction, he winds up spending his days amongst the latter of the two.
"I take it one day at a time like treatment."