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Recent information has revealed that there are 63,715 mothers in Cuba with three or more children under the age of 17, of which only 416 have received government-provided housing. This figure represents less than 1%, highlighting the challenges in implementing social policies aimed at supporting large families.
The information was shared by the Cuban government on its X profile, where they presented "results for 2024," which also states that only 7,915 of those mothers are employed.
They also note that 8,402 are protected with temporary social assistance benefits, and 18,487 have benefited from the distribution of resources.
The figures highlight a concern about the vulnerability of these mothers, many of whom rely on temporary assistance to survive.
The provision of material resources has been more significant, but it depends on what the government includes within that variable. Furthermore, this does not compensate for the lack of housing solutions, a key factor in improving the quality of life for these families. Most of the beneficiaries continue to face precarious conditions.
For example, last year, the story came to light of a mother who sold her mobile phone to raise money to buy food for her eight children, as she had no way to feed them.
In these cases, the assistance from Cubans living abroad has also supported these mothers, as was the case when a house was gifted to a mother of eight children in the Mayabeque province who had no place to live.
Also, a young Cuban couple, along with three sick children, reported in May of this year that they were living in precarious conditions without receiving assistance from the government, which has threatened to evict them from their home.
Due to multiple factors, Cuba recorded 34,648 births up to July 2024, which is a total of 8,157 fewer than in the same period of 2023, according to official reports.
The decrease translates to a drop of almost 20 percent, according to the official website Cubadebate and the figures presented by Dr. Catherine Chibás Pérez, national head of the Maternal and Child Program (PAMI) at the Ministry of Public Health.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing and Poverty Situation in Cuba
How many mothers with three or more children have received housing in Cuba?
Only 416 mothers out of 63,715 with three or more children have received housing in Cuba, which represents less than 1% of the total. This figure highlights the challenges in implementing effective social policies to support large families in the country.
What are the living conditions of Cuban mothers with minor children?
Many Cuban mothers with young children face precarious living conditions. Although some receive temporary aid and material resources, these measures do not make up for the lack of adequate housing solutions. The situation is even more critical in the context of the economic crisis affecting the island.
How is the housing crisis affecting families in Cuba?
The housing crisis in Cuba severely impacts families, leaving thousands without access to decent housing. The construction of new homes is insufficient, and the government prioritizes other projects such as hotels, worsening the living conditions of vulnerable populations.
What is the impact of extreme poverty in Cuba?
Extreme poverty in Cuba affects 89% of families, according to the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights. This has led to critical situations such as shortages of food, medicine, and basic resources, increasing the vulnerability of the population and forcing many to make drastic decisions to survive.
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