A Cuban family in Tampa, Florida, is facing a difficult situation after losing their belongings in a fire that affected their home. The case, shared on social media by the influencer Dairon Cano, has sparked a wave of solidarity among Cubans both inside and outside the state.
"Everything inside me burned," the owner of the house explained, visibly shaken. According to her account, the fire started around four in the morning when her husband heard an explosion at a window. His quick reaction allowed everyone to escape alive, but the fire spread rapidly, destroying the interior of the home. "If my husband hadn't gotten up, we would have burned inside," she said.
The situation worsens because one of the family members is pregnant and had prepared all the items in advance for the baby's arrival, including the crib, which is now damaged by smoke and soot. "I had everything ready for my baby, and we lost it all," the young woman lamented.
The house, which was fully paid off, did not have insurance. “Taxes are very high, over eight thousand dollars a year, and I can’t manage even saving penny by penny,” the mother explained. In Florida, when a house is not financed by a bank, there is no legal obligation to insure it, which puts many families at risk. “It is very expensive to live in this area,” confirmed Teresa Padrón, activist and former manager of the late singer 'El Taiger' (José Manuel Carvajal), who accompanied Cano during the visit.
Currently, the family members are scattered across different relatives' homes. "Please, help this family. One peso, two pesos, three pesos... every little bit helps," Dairon Cano repeated several times in his videos. The family has made their number available to receive assistance via Zelle.
The response on social media has been overwhelming. Hundreds of people have offered concrete help: from cribs, clothing, baby items, and food, to construction materials and free labor. Comments such as “I have some baby boy clothes,” “I’ll give you a brand new crib,” or “I'll bring you some drywall when I have extra” are multiplying on TikTok. Several users have requested an address to send packages or have asked if a GoFundMe account has been set up.
"The first thing is to rebuild the little house so that they are not scattered around," one person wrote. Others have shared their emotions and solidarity, reminding us that although the fire took away their material possessions, the family still has what matters most: life.
This new case adds to other stories that Dairon Cano has highlighted on his social media. In mid-May, he shared the story of Yasleidy Martínez, a Cuban mother in Tampa who managed to reunite her family, open a medical clinic, and obtain citizenship after years of sacrifice. Days earlier, he had showcased the situation of Orelvis, a Cuban facing deportation who is trying to save his food truck despite dwindling customers and the uncertainty of his immigration status.
"This has been terrible. Waking up and feeling like you have nothing left..." said the mother. While the walls still smell of smoke, what remains is the supportive gesture of a united community. "Everything we give always comes back," Dairon repeats, as he asks for a miracle today for this Cuban family that has lost everything within, but still fights with hope.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fire in a Cuban Family's Home in Tampa
How did the fire occur in the Cuban family's house in Tampa?
The fire started around four in the morning when the owner’s husband heard an explosion at a window. The family's quick reaction allowed them to escape with their lives, but the fire spread rapidly and destroyed the interior of the home.
Why didn't the family have insurance for their home in Tampa?
The family did not have insurance because the costs were very high and there was no legal obligation to insure the house since it was not financed by a bank. The mother explained that the annual taxes exceeded eight thousand dollars, which made it unsustainable for them to purchase insurance.
How can we help the Cuban family that suffered the fire in Tampa?
The influencer Dairon Cano has shared the contact number of the family to receive assistance via Zelle. A call has been made to the community to support with donations of cradles, clothing, baby items, and construction materials, as well as free labor to rebuild their home.
What impact has solidarity had on the situation of the family affected by the fire?
The response on social media has been overwhelming, with hundreds of people offering tangible assistance, from cribs and baby items to construction materials. This act of solidarity has been a significant relief for the family, which is currently dispersed in relatives' homes.
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