Related videos:
Amid the growing number of Cubans without housing who end up on the streets, the Guantánamo government announced that it is working against the clock to construct a center for homeless individuals.
The president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power, Idaliena Díaz Casamayor, stated on Facebook that "having the Center to protect individuals who wander as soon as possible is imperative in #MyGuantánamo."
The measure comes in a critical context: every day, more citizens are left homeless due to the collapse of buildings, the effects of natural phenomena, and the State's inability to respond with housing solutions.
Meanwhile, projects like this aim to provide a partial, albeit insufficient, response to a crisis that fiercely impacts Cuban families.
The housing crisis in Cuba
The reality, however, is much more complex. In Cuba, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of families do not have their own home and survive crowded in shelters, relatives' houses, or makeshift premises.
This is compounded by the progressive collapse of buildings, particularly in the eastern provinces and in Havana, where each structural failure adds to the tragedy of those who are left on the streets without immediate alternatives.
Existing homes are also affected by the crisis: most have leaks, structural cracks, faulty roofs, and a chronic lack of materials for repairs.
The regime constantly announces construction plans, but most of the resources are allocated to hotels and mega-tourism projects, while the homes of Cubans deteriorate at an alarming rate.
A palliative measure, not a solution
The creation of a center for homeless individuals in Guantánamo may provide temporary relief for some, but it does not address the underlying problem. The increase in the number of homeless people reflects a structural failure in the country's housing policy, where the right to adequate housing—promised in the Constitution—grows increasingly distant from everyday reality.
Frequently asked questions about the housing crisis and the situation of homeless individuals in Cuba
Why is the government building a center for homeless people in Guantánamo?
The government of Guantánamo is building a center for homeless individuals due to the increasing number of citizens ending up on the streets because of building collapses, natural disasters, and the state's inability to provide housing solutions. This measure aims to offer temporary relief but does not address the structural problem of the housing crisis in Cuba.
What is the main cause of the housing crisis in Cuba?
The housing crisis in Cuba is the result of a structural collapse in the construction sector due to a shortage of materials, lack of investment, and inefficient government management, which prioritizes tourism projects over the needs of the population. This has led to a deficit of more than 800,000 homes, severely impacting many Cuban families.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the situation of homeless individuals?
The Cuban government has implemented some measures such as the establishment of social protection centers for homeless individuals in several provinces. However, these actions are considered insufficient as they do not address the root causes of the problem nor provide long-term solutions, leaving many people in vulnerable situations.
How does the lack of maintenance affect buildings in Cuba?
The lack of maintenance and the deterioration of buildings in Cuba have led to an increase in collapses, especially in provinces like Havana. The housing crisis is worsened by the lack of resources and political will to carry out necessary repairs, exposing thousands of families to the risk of losing their homes and leaving them without immediate relocation options.
Filed under: