More than three million Cuban pesos were raised for the young mother from Cacocum, in Holguín, whose testimony touched thousands after losing everything during the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
The collection, organized by activist Noly Blak, was announced through Facebook, where the creator posted a photograph of the bundles of money.
"Three million 155634 for the mother of Cacocum from my followers. Thank God," he wrote.
The woman, a mother of four children, became known on social media when, during an interview with Blak, she expressed a sentiment that better captured the plight of the affected than any official statement: "I don't want anything, all I want is food for the children".
His house, located in the community of Peralta, was destroyed; the floods swept away what little he had, and he had not even been evacuated. According to his own account, he lost mattresses and basic belongings, with no assistance from the state.
The fundraising sparked a flood of comments filled with gratitude toward those who contributed and concern for the young woman's safety.
"It's good that someone can guide her and help her buy her little house and get what she fundamentally needs," wrote a resident of Pinar.
From Spain, another Cuban insisted: "A good home for that mother, but in the village, where she won't have to struggle for her children."
Other users expressed their concern about the woman's vulnerability in the face of such a large sum of money: "Please, how are they going to handle that situation, with so much money (…) she could be in danger without even knowing it," warned one internet user.
The act of solidarity contrasts with the reality of the country, where thousands of families remain helpless after Hurricane Melissa.
Holguín, Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, and Granma were severely affected. Dozens of communities were flooded, houses destroyed, and belongings irretrievable.
Not only were roofs and walls destroyed; appliances, beds, clothing, food, and items that are impossible to replace were lost for families whose salaries don't even cover basic needs.
Although authorities are disseminating reports on "recovery efforts," in the most affected neighborhoods, construction materials and urgent aid are not arriving, while people wait, with no answers, from collapsed homes or amidst walls on the verge of collapse.
In response to that official inaction, citizens have started to take initiatives that the government neither accelerates nor supports. Noly Blak's collection, like increasingly happens in Cuba, did not originate from a state program, but from a desperate appeal circulated on the Internet.
No institution took responsibility for the young woman from Cacocum; it was the community that decided to buy her a home and provide her with the chance to start over with her children.
Thousands of donors made transfers, sent receipts, some wishing to appear publicly while others preferred to remain anonymous.
In a previous video, the young woman broke down in tears while expressing her gratitude for the support she received.
He did not mention government promises or state recovery plans. He expressed gratitude to strangers who decided to take action while the authorities continue to promise aid that never arrives.
The result was more than just a collection: it was the confirmation that, in a country where misery multiplies and institutions do not respond, solidarity among Cubans is the only thing that keeps afloat those who have lost everything.
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