Luis García is a Cuban originally from the town of San Juan de los Yeras, in Villa Clara. In 1999, he arrived in the United States aboard a vessel with 20 other people, as he recounted to the TikTok profile @conductadade, which documents and highlights the stories of homeless individuals in Miami.
"I came to the United States in 1999, I arrived by boat, we set out from Villa Clara, Santa Clara, with 20 people in a 21-foot boat," Luis stated.
Although he claims that he grew up in a loving family with values, he acknowledged that he made poor choices: "My life in Cuba was never bad because everyone who knows me knows that I come from a good family, a well-prepared family... but unfortunately, I liked the streets a lot and started making bad decisions."
Luis experienced firsthand what it means to live homeless in the United States. Now, drawing from his personal experience, he is committed to helping others who face the same reality.
In the video shared by the Conducta project, he is seen distributing food and conversing with people living on the streets, primarily in English, with gestures of empathy and closeness.
Luis arrived from Cuba on a small boat and experienced what it means to live on the streets in Miami. Today, in his free time, he supports several institutions to help those going through the same struggles he faced, the post indicated. From the account, they also announced that the full video detailing his story will soon be available.
The story of Luis adds to other cases previously shared by this profile, such as that of Mayra, a Cuban-American woman who lost her daughter in an accident and ended up on the streets; that of María del Carmen, a 67-year-old woman from Villa Clara; or that of Yuli, known as La China de San Antonio, who was recognized by former coworkers and neighbors after appearing on social media.
The case of the former vocalist of Charanga Habanera, David Montes de Oca, who began a rehabilitation process after living on the streets, has also been highlighted, as well as that of Orlando Hernández, a Cuban from Regla who has been living under a bridge in Miami for years.
The post has generated multiple reactions of support, encouragement, and pride from other Cubans who identify with Luis or his hometown. Comments such as "Blessings", "We are from the same land", "My little town Villa Clara", or "Thank you for helping others" stand out among the users' messages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Migration and Assistance for Homeless Individuals in Miami
How did Luis García arrive in the United States and what is his current situation?
Luis García arrived in the United States in 1999 on a boat from Cuba, along with 20 other people. Currently, after having lived on the streets, he dedicates himself to helping homeless individuals in Miami, providing food and emotional support.
What motivated Luis García to help homeless people?
Luis García, after personally experiencing what it means to live on the streets in the United States, decided to use his experience to support others facing the same reality. His work is a reflection of empathy and solidarity towards people in similar situations.
What is the impact of Luis García's actions on the Cuban community in Miami?
Luis García's actions have generated numerous reactions of support, encouragement, and pride from the Cuban community. Many relate to his story and appreciate his efforts to assist those facing difficult situations in Miami.
What is the relevance of the Conducta project in Dade in raising awareness about homeless individuals?
Conducta in Dade is a project that documents and brings visibility to the stories of homeless individuals in Miami, especially those of Cuban descent. Through social media, they have managed to connect homeless individuals with their families and generate community support.
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