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The activist Nelys Valdés posted an emotional message on Facebook this Sunday celebrating her in-person participation in a food distribution event organized by the solidarity project “Hermanos de la Calle” in Sancti Spíritus, alongside Yureibys Torresilla —known as “El Héroe”— and Yanalli González, the administrator of the project “Salvando Vidas.”
"Today I felt fulfilled working on the beautiful project, a project that thanks to my partner Yureibys Torresilla was accomplished, as he has been working under the sun and rain for a week to ensure everything goes well," Valdés wrote in the post shared on social media.
In her message, the activist acknowledged the difficulties she faces in physically participating in the group's activities: "There are moments when I am overcome with sadness, as I wish to be with Yureibys Torresilla, to be there alongside him, but it is impossible for me. There are many personal and family issues, and on top of that, transportation is a significant challenge for us; we have no means to move around together."
Valdés also confessed to sometimes feeling "useless," although he clarified that Torresilla acknowledges his efforts to keep the community informed through the group on social media.
"My respects to everyone who has donated to make this day perfect," he added, extending special gratitude to those who made the event possible.
Referring to Torresilla, Valdés was emphatic: "I am sure you would even give your life for this work that you started one day."
The project "Hermanos de la Calle" operates independently of the Cuban state and is primarily sustained by donations from the Cuban diaspora, particularly from the United States.
Among their documented actions are a solidarity meal for 90 vulnerable individuals in December 2024, a lunch for more than 400 people in November 2025, and the distribution of condensed milk and coffee in April 2026, made possible through donations from the United States.
The collective has also faced hostility from the regime: in November 2025, authorities attempted to thwart a donation intended for more than 700 people, although the event ultimately took place in the activist's own home.
This month, a private entrepreneur identified as Maikel, owner of "Comidas Domicilio Sabor Cuban," donated 20 free meals to the project, in a gesture that the collective described as "Cuban flavor, great seasoning, and lots of love for those who need it most."
The work of these activists takes place against the backdrop of an unprecedented food crisis in Cuba. According to the survey "In Cuba There is Hunger 2025" conducted by the Food Monitor Program, 33.9% of Cuban households experienced hunger in 2025, 25% of Cubans go to bed without dinner, and 29% of families have eliminated one meal a day. Cuba imports about 70% of the food it consumes, according to the World Food Programme.
In the face of the Cuban state's inability to ensure basic food security for its population, citizen initiatives such as "Hermanos de la Calle" and "Salvando Vidas" represent one of the few real support networks available to the most vulnerable people on the Island.
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