Hi, my name is Alberto Vega.

I’m a 42-year-old father of four boys ages 19, 7, 5, and 4. My kids are my world. I’ve always worked hard to be a hands-on dad and do what’s best for them, but the last few years have tested me in ways I never imagined.

In 2021, I lost my mom while she was battling cancer and COVID pneumonia. That loss broke me. I struggled with depression but managed to push through by starting my own business, Dreamcatcher Services LLC, a consulting and marketing firm. Things were finally looking up until I lost my dad in September 2024 to lymphoma and dementia.

I tried again to rebuild, starting Heart in Hands Creative Collection, my online shop selling mugs, hoodies, and T-shirts. But by the end of 2025, everything came crashing down. I’ve battled bipolar depression for years, but after Thanksgiving, everything fell apart. I lost nearly everything! My home, stability, and regular access to my kids to start. I’ve been staying in warming centers or walking the streets at night with nowhere else to go.

The hardest part is not being able to have my kids over like before. I don’t want to give up on them, but the system makes it nearly impossible for a single non-custodial father trying to get back on his feet. I don’t qualify for help that allows me to keep my kids with me, and I can’t afford my own place yet. There have been dark days… days I questioned if there was any point in going on. Every time, God reminded me that there’s still a reason to fight. My reason is my children.

I’m creating this GoFundMe because I can’t keep doing this alone. I need help to get back to a place where my boys can visit me and where I can begin rebuilding a life for us. Your donation will go toward short-term housing, transportation, and getting stable enough to start over.

I don’t want pity. I just need a hand to stand again. I’ve always believed in helping others, but now I’m the one who needs help. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story, share it, or donate. Every bit helps bring me closer to being the father my boys need me to be.