The Cuban Carlos Rodríguez, a 70-year-old retiree, faces a harsh reality in Miami and is seeking a job that will allow him to change his life and have a home.
Originally from Holguín, this elderly man has been living on the streets for 11 years, despite having all his documents in order, including his work permit and health insurance.
The TikTok profile Conducta (@conductadade) has brought attention to his case in hopes of changing the situation for this man who is seeking help to find a part-time job that will allow him to regain a dignified life.
This Cuban sleeps in a beach chair and dreams of having a home again. He claims that he has unsuccessfully tried to qualify for the subsidized housing program known as Plan Ocho, which could provide him with a roof over his head. However, the waiting lists and strict requirements have kept him out.
Rodríguez has a monthly pension of $1,100. He cannot afford rent in a city where real estate prices continue to rise.
This retiree has experience in maintenance tasks and is eager to leverage those skills to secure a job and improve his current situation. He is an Engineer in Automatic Control.
"I just need a chance," he comments optimistically. In the meantime, Carlos continues to seek solutions and clings to the hope that someone might lend him a hand.
Her story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many older Cubans and Latinos in Miami, who, despite having worked their entire lives, see their dreams of a peaceful retirement overshadowed by loneliness and precarious economic conditions.
Filed under: