The story of an elderly Cuban man who is homeless in Miami has been shared on TikTok by the content creator known as Conducta, who focuses on raising awareness about the situations of homeless individuals in the city with the aim of assisting them.
The man, identified only as Rodolfo, recounts having arrived in the United States many years ago. However, after just three years in the country, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a condition that has shaped the rest of his life.
According to him, today he does not remember his last name, his age, or whether he has any relatives. He only retains the certainty of his name.
In the video, Rodolfo is sitting on a sidewalk, dressed only in shorts and a sweater, without shoes, with a scruffy beard and looking visibly disheveled.
At one moment, while lying on his back, he sits up to receive food that is handed to him by Conducta.
"I became ill with schizophrenia here," she says in a muffled voice, being one of the few understandable phrases she manages to utter.
The man also claims that he grew up in Havana, although his origins, according to his testimony, are located in the eastern part of Cuba, apparently in Marcané (Holguín).
His current appearance, worn down by years on the street and the burden of mental illness, makes it difficult to recognize him.
Conducta urged its followers to spread the word about the case in the hope that someone might be able to identify him and connect him with family or friends who may be unaware of his whereabouts and the conditions in which he is living.
"It is very likely that he has loved ones in Cuba or the U.S. who know nothing about him or the conditions in which he lives. Please share this video. Maybe someone will recognize him and help get this story into the hands of his family, friends, or loved ones," expressed the creator.
The post has generated messages of solidarity, expressing a desire to give her the chance to reconnect with her surroundings and improve her living conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Homeless Cubans in Miami
Who is Rodolfo, the homeless Cuban in Miami mentioned on TikTok?
Rodolfo is an elderly Cuban who is homeless in Miami and whose story was shared by the content creator known as Conducta. He arrived in the United States many years ago and was diagnosed with schizophrenia three years after arriving, which has impacted his memory and his ability to recall details of his life, such as his last name, age, or whether he has any relatives.
How has the TikTok community impacted the lives of homeless people in Miami?
The TikTok community, through the profile @conductadade, has played a crucial role in bringing attention to the stories of homeless individuals in Miami. The videos have generated solidarity and efforts to reconnect these individuals with their families, as in the case of Lázaro Ramos González, who was able to contact his family in Cuba after years of being missing. Social media has become a powerful tool for generating aid actions and promoting social change.
What challenges do homeless Cubans face in Miami?
Homeless Cubans in Miami face multiple challenges, including mental health issues, addiction, street violence, and social isolation. Many of them arrived in the United States seeking better opportunities, but they find themselves trapped in cycles of poverty and marginalization. The lack of support networks and legal documents complicates their situation, making it difficult to access services and opportunities for improvement.
What initiatives exist to help homeless Cubans in Miami?
There are projects like Conducta that focus on documenting and highlighting the reality of homeless Cubans. These initiatives aim to connect these individuals with rehabilitation and social support programs, as well as to encourage community solidarity to improve their living conditions. There are also efforts by some institutions and citizens who act as informal support networks to provide food and assistance.
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