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Lauren de la Caridad Estrada, a pregnant Cuban mother with three minor children, is holed up in the former state café "El Gallo," at the intersection of Galeano and Concordia in Centro Habana, where the government is threatening to evict her.
In the absence of housing alternatives and after years of fruitless efforts with the authorities, Lauren decided to occupy the abandoned premises and resist eviction, she stated to the independent media Cubanet.
"If I leave here, I'll be on the streets with my children. I have nowhere to go," said Lauren, who is seven months pregnant.
Her children, aged 4, 6, and 9, live with her in precarious conditions while she earns a living selling homemade coquitos outside the shop, prepared in a pot modified with an electric rice cooker, explains the post.
The improvised housing lacks running water and adequate facilities. Lauren claims she has been asking for a housing solution for four years, without the Cuban government providing a concrete response.
"They told me to go to my mom's house until they resolved my situation, but that never happened. I have already gone to Housing, to the Police, to everywhere," she asserts.
Regarding state support, she mentions that she only receives one meal a day as part of the so-called maternal nutrition plan, which consists of a lunch without protein at a nearby hospital.
"On Sunday, they don’t give anything. The government doesn’t give me anything," he laments.
"They want to put me out on the street without giving me a place to live," she claims.
Lauren's story reflects the housing crisis that affects thousands of Cubans, especially single mothers and families in vulnerable situations.
Without access to social housing, and in light of the State's inaction, many are forced to occupy abandoned properties to secure shelter for their children.
The Cuban government has evicted dozens of women in similar situations in recent years, despite the official narrative constantly denying it.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Crisis in Cuba
Why did Lauren de la Caridad Estrada barricade herself in a state-run café in Havana?
Lauren de la Caridad Estrada barricaded herself in an old state café because she has no housing alternatives. She and her children face precarious conditions and, despite asking for help for years, have not received a solution from the Cuban government, leaving her in a desperate situation.
How does the housing crisis affect Cuban mothers?
The housing crisis in Cuba seriously affects Cuban mothers, especially single mothers with several children, who often find themselves compelled to occupy abandoned properties due to the government's lack of response. This situation reflects a failure to implement effective policies to ensure decent housing for vulnerable families.
What solutions does the Cuban government offer to mothers in vulnerable situations?
The Cuban government has been criticized for not providing effective solutions to mothers in vulnerable situations. Only a small percentage of mothers with three or more children have received housing, which highlights the ineffectiveness of current policies. Furthermore, state assistance is limited and often insufficient to meet the basic needs of these families.
What alternatives do Cuban mothers have in the face of the government's lack of response?
In the absence of a response from the government, many Cuban mothers choose to occupy abandoned premises to provide shelter for their children. However, this carries the risk of eviction and facing complicated legal situations, in addition to living in inadequate conditions without basic services.
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