Cáritas Cuba is progressing in the second phase of distributing humanitarian aid intended for the victims of Hurricane Melissa in the eastern part of the island, while preparing for a third stage that will have national reach.
The information was released by the Communications Office of the Diocese of Holguín, which provided details about the operations carried out and the plans scheduled for 2027.
The four dioceses of eastern Cuba have completed the first phase of the program, valued at three million dollars and funded by the United States government to assist those affected by the devastating cyclone Melissa.
They are currently carrying out a second phase amounting to another six million dollars.
In the diocese of Holguín, recent operations have enabled the distribution of resources to 1,400 families. Another 2,100 are still awaiting assistance, a process that is expected to continue until December.
The distribution is currently concentrated in Las Tunas, Puerto Padre, and nearby communities. It is also taking place in the Vicaría Centro, with Banes as a reference point, through the parishes served by the Augustinian Recollect friars.
The program responds to the devastation caused by Melissa in October 2025. The United Nations estimated that around 2.2 million people were severely affected and approximately 78,700 hectares of crops were left devastated.
A subsequent tally raised the number of damaged homes to 76,689, including 4,743 total collapses, according to official data collected by the Pan American Health Organization.
A third phase with national scope
By January 2027, a third phase of assistance is projected. The statement from the Diocese asserts that this will begin in Eastern Cuba, but further specifies that it will cover the entire island and will start its distribution through the Archdiocese of Havana.
This new phase will be linked to the package of 100 million dollars committed by the United States to provide food and hygiene items to vulnerable Cuban families.
Of that amount, 60 million will be channeled through Cáritas Cuba with the support of Catholic Relief Services, while other organizations will manage the remaining 40 million.
The national program had its first advance on July 21, when a flight departed from Miami carrying 18 tons of food, hygiene items, and other supplies. The shipment was received the following day at José Martí International Airport and will benefit 700 families of the Archdiocese of Havana.
The U.S. Under Secretary of State Jeremy Lewin indicated that the complete package could reach approximately 196,000 families across Cuba.
Who will receive the aid?
The identification of beneficiaries is the responsibility of the parish teams and volunteers from Cáritas.
According to the Catholic organization, home visits are conducted and priority is given to elderly individuals living alone, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with disabilities or who are bedridden, and families with children under five years old in at-risk situations.
Each module includes rice, beans, oil, sugar, pasta, canned fish, hygiene products, water purification tablets, containers for storage, and a rechargeable lamp.
Cáritas acknowledged that coverage will be limited given the scale of the crisis: "We are fully aware that we cannot reach everyone." The organization explained that assistance will focus on households experiencing the greatest vulnerability.
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