A Cuban from Pinar del Río shared a video about how he survives on the streets of Miami, as he has been without 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, under the trees, where night finds me, that's where I stay. Here next to the nuns, where Camillus House is, because that's the only place they give you food; they don’t give food anywhere else, only here," he said in a video shared on the TikTok account of the user Conducta.
José stated that life on the streets is very tough, as he tries to survive day by day.
"Try to get by however you can. A meal over there, a little shower here, and that's that," he said.
The elderly man stated that since arriving in the United States, he has not stopped working on the renovation of houses and apartments. However, he did not clarify how he came to his current situation.
"Now I am going to try to get my social security, because I am 64 years old and I qualify now, since I have nothing. I don’t have a penny in my pocket, and I have no income coming in," he emphasized.
Recently, the case of Daniel José Camarín (El Toki), a Cuban musician and former member of the orchestra Bamboleo, came to light. He sleeps on cardboard under a bridge in Downtown Miami, in a parking lot that he makes an effort 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 said.
"Even though I'm homeless, I like to maintain the environment, the place, so that I feel clean, because even if one doesn't have the best conditions, at least you feel blessed, clean, and organized," he stated.
Daniel accused Lázaro Valdés of running a campaign against him to prevent other musicians in the United States from hiring him. "He has dedicated himself to this campaign, to blocking me and shutting doors," he stated.
"I am open to having a dialogue with you, very peacefully. What I need is for you to tell me to my face, from man to man, what I have done to you. You've been coming at me with that fire from Cuba," he added.
On the user account Conducta, testimonials and stories from Cubans facing difficulties in Miami are collected. Some have been in the country since the 1980s, while others have arrived more recently, but for various reasons, they all find themselves living on the streets, relying on charity.
"Every homeless person has a story, dreams, and hope. A small act of kindness can change everything. Will you join the change?" said the author of the videos in a clip, appealing to solidarity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Homeless Cubans in Miami
How does José Canga survive on the streets of Miami?
José Canga survives on the streets of Miami, sleeping under trees and receiving food at Camillus House, the only place where he can get meals. He has worked in home renovations, but currently, he has no income or a place to live.
What is the situation of homeless Cubans in Miami?
Many Cubans in Miami face critical situations due to a lack of employment and family support. Some, like José Canga, rely on charity to survive, while others actively seek work to improve their circumstances. The community on social media often mobilizes to offer assistance.
What challenges do elderly Cubans face in the United States?
Cuban elders, such as José Canga and Carlos Rodríguez, face significant challenges such as a lack of housing and economic resources. The economic situation and the high cost of living in cities like Miami complicate access to basic services and housing for this vulnerable group.
What role do social media play in assisting homeless people in Cuba?
Social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, play a crucial role in raising awareness about the situation of homeless individuals in Cuba. Users and content creators share stories and mobilize the community to provide support, whether through donations, job opportunities, or simply by offering solidarity and companionship.
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