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, on 2nd Avenue and 2nd Street in the Southwest.
Manuel Alfonso is 54 years old and has several health issues, including epilepsy, which have required him to be hospitalized several times in recent months.
According to their experience, in the United States "everything is easy, but sometimes it's hard."
According to a video shared on the TikTok account of the user Conducta, he emigrated alone and continues to do so. He bitterly confessed that there were times when he had plenty of money and was surrounded by friends, but now, since things are going poorly for him, he has no one.
Over these 30 years, he has worked in 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 qualify for disability benefits because his application has been denied twice.
"Due to my status, they took my fingerprints and photos, and they told me I have to wait from 20 to 22 months. A man who has been in this country for 32 years and has no criminal record whatsoever," he questioned.
The TikTok user Conducta shares testimonials and stories of Cubans facing difficulties in Miami. Some, like this case, have been in the country for decades, but for various reasons, they have ended up on the streets relying on charity.
This week, the case of a Cuban from Pinar del Río who is surviving on the streets of Miami came to light, as he has not had a place to sleep for about a month and a half.
José Canga, 64 years old, came to the United States alone years ago and remains so; all of his 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; you don’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 don't have anything. I don't have a single cent in my pocket, and I have no income coming in anywhere," he 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 makes an effort to keep clean.
"This is the work that 'El Güiro de oro de Cuba' does; I’m not ashamed for it to be seen publicly," he expressed.
"Even if I'm homeless, I like to keep the environment, the place, so that I feel clean, because even if one doesn't have the best conditions, at least you can feel blessed, clean, and collected," he stated.
Daniel accused Lázaro Valdés, director of Bamboleo, 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 closing 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 such as epilepsy and a lack of family support. Despite having worked in various jobs, his health has prevented him from continuing to work, and he has not been able to access disability benefits.
What difficulties do Cubans with mental health issues face in Miami?
Cuban individuals with mental illnesses in Miami face significant vulnerability due to a lack of access to adequate 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 wanders without a permanent home.
How does the lack of legal documents affect homeless Cubans in Miami?
The lack of legal documents prevents many Cubans from accessing formal employment and basic services, worsening their homelessness situation 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 helping homeless Cubans in Miami?
Social media is crucial for raising awareness and mobilizing support for homeless Cubans in Miami. Platforms like TikTok allow for the sharing of their stories, which helps generate awareness and solidarity, as well as receive donations and emotional support from the community.
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