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In Hialeah, as Christmas lights illuminate the neighborhoods and families celebrate the holidays, José and María González face nights filled with uncertainty: the elderly couple, who once found peace in their small corner of South Florida, now feel trapped between the lost past and an uncertain future.
Everything changed last November when a fire devastated the home where they rented an efficiency, reported Telemundo 51.
Designated as an "unsafe property" by the authorities, the building became uninhabitable, forcing the couple to endure more than 20 days without electricity, compelling them to seek refuge in a modest motel on Okeechobee Road.
"They weren't going to provide electricity until they legalized the apartments, because it wasn't safe. We couldn't live there," explained María González Cruz, who was deeply affected by the situation.
The couple faces multiple challenges in finding a new home: “They are asking me for $1,800 for an apartment, and I confidently believe I can pay my rent,” said José M. González.
However, he expressed his frustration by saying, “When you arrive, they tell you that you need to earn $5,000 a month. How are we supposed to make that?”
With over seven decades of life, the González family has put their names on a waiting list for a low-income apartment, but the process has been complicated, and the response they received was not encouraging.
"They told us that we are not a priority and that we have to wait. But if it takes six months, where are we going to live?" María commented, expressing her distress over the uncertain future.
In a previous report by Telemundo 51, the ordeal faced by a couple of elderly Cubans was revealed.
José González and his wife, who have lived in the efficiency for six years, describe the past few weeks as an absolute ordeal: “Cooking is a challenge with small gas canisters; otherwise, we order food. You see, I'm diabetic,” José explained.
The couple is also facing health issues worsened by the lack of electricity: "I have sleep apnea, I need the mask, but that requires power. My husband sleeps on the sofa with the door open, and I'm inside with a fan," María recounted.
The Hialeah Fire Department confirmed that the structure is illegal, and for the electricity to be reconnected, the owner must obtain the necessary building permits.
However, the owner claims that the process is fraught with obstacles: “They talk about permits, but I keep being sent from one inspector to another, and no one provides a concrete solution,” she stated.
Despite seeking help, the González family still has not received a response from local authorities: "We have applied for Plan 8, but nothing. We have been waiting for 17 and a half years, while others come and get help quickly," José lamented.
The city of Hialeah has yet to respond to requests for comments, leaving those affected in uncertainty.
The story of the González family highlights the challenges faced by the most vulnerable in South Florida, where situations like theirs underscore the urgent need for housing solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Eviction of Cuban Seniors in Hialeah After the Fire
Why were José and María González evicted from their home in Hialeah?
José and María González were evicted because the building they lived in was deemed unsafe following a fire that rendered it uninhabitable. Authorities confirmed that the structure was illegal and that electricity could not be restored.
What are the main obstacles the González family faces in finding a new home?
The González family is facing difficulties finding a home due to the high rental costs in Hialeah. They are required to earn $5,000 a month to qualify for an apartment, a figure that they cannot reach with their current income. Additionally, they are on a waiting list for low-income housing but are not considered a priority.
What alternatives do the González family have to find affordable housing?
The González family has signed up for waiting lists for low-income housing, but the process has been slow and offers little hope for immediate results. One alternative is to seek assistance from local organizations that can provide temporary support or housing subsidies while they continue to wait for a more permanent solution.
What impact does the lack of electricity have on the health of José and María?
The lack of electricity has worsened the couple's health issues. José, who is diabetic, and María, who suffers from sleep apnea, have struggled to manage their conditions without electricity, which has impacted their daily quality of life.
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