Cáritas Cuba is advancing in the second phase of distributing humanitarian aid to those affected by Hurricane Melissa in the eastern part of the island, while preparing a third stage that will have national reach.
The information was released by the Office of Communications of the Diocese of Holguín, which provided details about the operations carried out and the plans anticipated for 2027.
The four dioceses of eastern Cuba have completed the first phase of the program, valued at 3 million dollars and funded by the United States government to assist those affected by Melissa.
They are currently implementing a second phase amounting to another 6 million dollars.
In the Diocese of Holguín, recent operations have allowed resources to be provided to 1,400 families. Another 2,100 are still awaiting assistance, a process that is expected to continue until December.
Distribution is currently concentrated in Las Tunas, Puerto Padre, and nearby communities. It is also being developed in the Central Vicarage, 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 about 78,700 hectares of crops were devastated.
A subsequent balance raised the number of affected 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 states that this will begin "in eastern Cuba," but further clarifies 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 cargo was received the next day at José Martí International Airport and will benefit 700 families from the Archdiocese of Havana.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Jeremy Lewin indicated that the complete package could reach around 196,000 families across Cuba.
Who will receive the aid?
The identification of beneficiaries is the responsibility of parish teams and Caritas volunteers.
According to the Catholic organization, home visits are conducted, prioritizing elderly individuals living alone, pregnant or nursing women, people with disabilities or bedridden, and families with children under five years old in situations of risk.
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 due to the magnitude of the crisis: "We are fully aware that we cannot reach everyone."
The institution explained that the assistance will focus on households experiencing the most vulnerable situations.
Related videos:
Filed under: