SAN ANTONIO — Hector Caldera remembers growing up in barracks-style housing projects on San Antonio’s West Side during the 1960s.

“We lived in the Cassiano Courts. It was hard during this time because there were several gangs. If you didn’t belong to a gang, you get beaten up by other gangs,” he said.  

Caldera had no choice but to join one of the most notorious gangs in San Antonio — Ghost Town. The name was coined because when they showed up, the barrio became just that, a ghost town. This was exemplified when Caldera grabbed his gun to look for the man that shot and killed his friend. 

“I was crying, and I was so angry and people were running and closing their doors, closing their windows. I stopped the car and said, ‘what the hell am I doing’?” Caldera recalled.  

Caldera said that during that time it was difficult to make it out the barrio. Folks were either killed, went to jail or fought in Vietnam. Caldera chose the latter. He’s a veteran and got a master's degree in social work. 

“If I want to help anybody, I need to get involved in helping people, and that’s why I decided to become a social worker,” he said.

Now, when Caldera roams the same streets he once harmed, he comes baring gifts.

“We have some presents for you,” Caldera said to a woman who lives at the Alazan Courts. 

"It touches our heart what we went through. We know (what it’s like) when you don’t get anything for Christmas,” Caldera said. 

This done through Caldera’s organization, Ghost Town Survivors, which is comprised of ex-gang members, Vietnam veterans and their sister chapter, the Barrio Girls. 

“My wife and I donate, every year donate about $1,500,” Caldera said. 

This year they raised over $9,000 for presents and scholarships. Hector said COVID hindered the efforts of these senior citizen philanthropists. 

“I’m concerned; we are getting old, we are going to be going home soon,” Caldera said.  

Caldera is utilizing every resource to recruit younger folks. 

“That’s my hope and dream to keep it going and keep helping kids in the barrio,” he said.  

Despite the obstacles it's that joy they provide that keeps Ghost Town Survivors and Barrio Girls going. 

“Things that really helps is seeing these kids and families how they come in, but we’ll see how it goes before I leave this world,” Caldera said.