A social media post sparked a wave of solidarity in Ciego de Ávila after the case of a family living in extremely precarious conditions near the provincial hospital became public.
The call, made by a user identified on Facebook as Guillermo Rodríguez Sánchez, highlighted the dramatic situation of an 88-year-old woman with severe health issues and her daughter, a teacher with limited financial resources.
The elderly woman, confined to bed with a diagnosis of pseudotumor orbitary, shares a small, dilapidated wooden house with her daughter.
The house was left devastated after a hurricane several years ago and never received the promised government assistance for its reconstruction. The roof leaks when it rains, the walls are crumbling, and the structure is infested with mold and termites, making it impossible to keep the place clean and safe.
In addition to her eye condition, the elderly woman suffers from a gastrointestinal issue that causes incontinence. Her daughter has to leave her alone during the day to work as a teacher, since her salary does not allow her to hire caregivers.
In his post, Rodríguez Sánchez described his visit to the home and confirmed the seriousness of the situation. He expressed gratitude for the donations received from some residents of Ciego de Ávila and requested further support to improve the family's living conditions. “We don’t want a palace, just something decent where two human beings can live,” he stated.
The publication included information about bank cards for donations in MLC and national currency, as well as a list of urgent needs such as disposable diapers, sheets, and towels.
Since the publication of the message, numerous social media users have shared the case, expressing outrage and empathy. Some offered donations, while others made a direct appeal to local authorities for immediate assistance.
Rodríguez Sánchez also requested the involvement of a Mipyme of masons that could provide free construction services to repair the home. "It's time to act, not to make empty promises," he emphasized.
The case of this family has become an example of community solidarity, which still touches the hearts of Cubans amidst adversity.
While the people of Avila continue to organize to provide support, attention is now focused on whether local authorities will respond to this urgent call.
In Cuba, citizen solidarity has been essential in supporting families in vulnerable housing situations. Various initiatives have emerged to provide decent housing for those in greatest need.
A recent example is that of a group of Cubans led by the activist Norge Ernesto Díaz Blak, known as Noly Black, who raised funds to purchase a home for a mother living in extreme poverty in Banes, Holguín.
The house, purchased for 200,000 pesos, significantly improved the living conditions of the family, who had previously lived in a precarious structure without walls or basic services.
Another notable case is that of a family with three small children who were sleeping in parks in Holguín. Thanks to the mobilization of Cubans both inside and outside the country, funds were raised to provide them with a new home.
Activists and members of civil society led the campaign, successfully gathering the necessary resources for the purchase of the house in just four days.
Additionally, the comedian Limay Blanco has provided homes to families affected by disasters. In October 2023, he delivered a house to a couple and their two daughters who had lost their home in a fire in the Boyeros municipality of Havana. This was the 26th home he has delivered as part of his solidarity project.
These actions reflect the ability of Cuban civil society to organize and provide support in crisis situations, often filling the gaps left by the authorities' lack of effective response. Solidarity among citizens has become an essential pillar in addressing housing challenges in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Situation in Cuba and Community Solidarity
What is the situation of the family in Ciego de Ávila that needs assistance?
The family in Ciego de Ávila lives in extremely precarious conditions. The 88-year-old woman, who suffers from serious health issues, shares a semi-collapsed home with her daughter, a teacher with limited resources. The roof leaks, the walls crumble, and the structure is infested with mold and termites. Despite government promises, they have not received any assistance for the reconstruction of their home.
How has the community responded to this case?
The community has shown great solidarity, with numerous residents of Ciego de Ávila and social media users offering donations. Bank cards for donations and a list of urgent needs have been shared. However, an effective response from local authorities to provide immediate assistance is still awaited.
What role does community solidarity play in Cuba in the absence of government response?
Community solidarity in Cuba is essential for assisting families in vulnerable situations, especially in the face of government inaction. Various citizen initiatives have emerged to provide decent housing for those in need. Examples of these actions include purchasing homes for needy families and repairing houses in poor condition.
Are there other similar cases of families in precarious situations in Cuba?
Yes, there are numerous similar cases in Cuba. Many families live in extreme poverty and in homes at risk of collapse. The lack of government action has prompted citizens to organize themselves to seek solutions on their own. This situation reflects a widespread housing crisis in the country.
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