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A Cuban born in Batabanó who arrived in the United States as a balsero in 1994 has been living on the streets of Miami for four years, at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 2nd Street in the Southwest.
Manuel Alfonso is 54 years old and has several health issues, including epilepsy, which have led to him being hospitalized multiple times in recent months.
According to your experience, in the United States, "everything is easy but sometimes it's difficult."
According to a video shared on the TikTok account of the user Conducta, he emigrated alone and remains alone. He bitterly confessed that there were times when he had plenty of money and was surrounded by friends, but now, since he's struggling, he has no one.
Over these 30 years, he has held various jobs: construction, metalworking, fishing... until health issues prevented him from continuing. He emphasized that he is not addicted to anything.
Manuel Alfonso has also been unable to access the disability benefits because he has failed his application twice.
"Due to my status, they took my fingerprints and photos, and they told me I have to wait 20 to 22 months. A man who has been in this country for 32 years and has no criminal record," he questioned.
The TikTok user Conducta shares testimonials and stories of Cubans facing hardships in Miami. Some, like this particular case, have been in the country for decades but, for various reasons, have ended up on the streets relying on charity.
This week, a case emerged of a Cuban from Pinar del Río who is surviving on the streets of Miami, as he has not had a place to sleep for about a month and a half.
José Canga, 64 years old, arrived in the United States alone years ago and remains so; his entire family is still in Cuba.
"I sleep on the street, beneath the trees, wherever night finds me, that's where I stay. Here next to the nuns, where the Camillus House is, because that's the only place that gives you food; you won't get food anywhere else," he said.
"Now I’m going to try to get my social security because I'm already 64 years old and I qualify since I have nothing. I don’t have a dime in my pocket, and I have no income coming in from anywhere," she emphasized.
Another case is that of Daniel José Camarín (El Toki), a musician and former member of the orchestra Bamboleo, who sleeps on cardboard under a bridge in Downtown Miami, in a parking lot that he strives to keep clean.
"This is the work that 'El Güiro de oro de Cuba' does; I am not ashamed for it to be seen publicly," he expressed.
"Even though I'm homeless, I like to keep my surroundings and the place tidy, so I feel clean. Because even if one doesn't have the best conditions, at least one can feel blessed, clean, and organized," he affirmed.
Daniel accused Lázaro Valdés, director of Bamboleo, of launching a campaign against him to prevent other musicians in the United States from hiring him. "He has devoted himself to this campaign, blocking me and shutting doors," he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Homeless Cubans in Miami
Who is Manuel Alfonso and what is his current situation in Miami?
Manuel Alfonso is a Cuban who arrived in the United States as a balsero in 1994 and currently lives on the streets of Miami due to health issues like epilepsy and lack of family support. Despite having worked in various jobs, his health has prevented him from continuing to work, and he has been unable to access disability benefits.
What challenges do Cubans with mental illnesses face in Miami?
Cubans with mental illnesses in Miami face significant vulnerability due to a lack of access to appropriate treatment and safe medical care. This often forces them to live on the streets, as is the case with Bárbara Acuña, who suffers from schizophrenia and roams without a stable home.
How does the lack of legal documents affect homeless Cubans in Miami?
The lack of legal documents prevents many Cubans from accessing formal jobs and basic services, exacerbating their homelessness in Miami. This is evident in cases like that of Orlando Hernández Luperón, who lives under a bridge due to his inability to regularize his status in the United States.
What role do social media play in assisting homeless Cubans in Miami?
Social media is crucial for raising awareness and mobilizing support for the homeless Cubans in Miami. Platforms like TikTok allow for the sharing of their stories, which helps to generate awareness and solidarity, as well as to receive donations and emotional support from the community.
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