An alert on social media is seeking assistance for a young man with a mental disability who has presumably escaped from his home and is wandering the streets of Cienfuegos. The young man, identified as Brayan, resides in Silverita, in the town of Ariza, Rodas municipality, and appears to be around 18 or 19 years old.
His situation has caused significant concern among those who know him, such as former classmates and teachers, as well as others who have encountered him on the streets. A post in the Revolico-Cienfuegos group on Facebook by a young woman named Betty Linny raised an alarm on Wednesday, expressing worry about Brayan’s condition and hoping to find a way to help him.
“With the permission of the group and the boy’s family, I’ve seen him wandering since the morning. He came to my workplace several times and today in the afternoon, I saw him again in my neighborhood, Ave. 50 between 45 and 43, lying on the street. I don’t know his condition or if he has any problems, but I’m concerned and decided to help in this way. Please share to reach his family,” she wrote.
Comments on the post indicate that Brayan roams different areas of the city, asking for food and money, and sleeps outdoors. Relatives and people close to his environment have indicated that the young man is mentally ill or has an intellectual disability and frequently leaves his home in Ariza, where he lives with his mother, Lucia, and other family members.
Some have reported Brayan’s whereabouts to his mother, while others have urged reporting the case to the police or other authorities to bring him home or find a solution to get him off the streets. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in Cuba of homeless people living on the streets without government institutions addressing this serious issue. Many survive thanks to the charitable help of other citizens who provide them with food, money, and clothes.
Public spaces in Cuban cities and towns have seen a rise in the presence of mentally ill individuals, elderly people, those with physical disabilities, and alcoholics—a reality that the regime cannot hide. Year-to-year statistics show a growing increase in extreme poverty in the country.
According to data published in April by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), Cuba registered 3,690 “homeless” individuals—according to the official term—between 2014 and 2023. However, the economic and social crisis plaguing the country—marked by inflation and shortages of basic products, especially food—points to an increase beyond official statistics, given the growing number of unprotected individuals who, for various reasons, resort to begging in churches, with tourists, or seek sustenance from garbage.
Government Response to the Homeless Crisis
In May, the Council of Ministers announced a “new” plan to remove beggars from the streets, updating its policy for the care of “homeless individuals” after 10 years of its establishment. Government measures include establishing social protection centers in all provinces, where these individuals will be clinically evaluated and attended to by multidisciplinary teams.
The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, assured that the centers already operating in some provinces are attending to more than 3,700 homeless individuals. Of these, “87% are men; 50% are between 41 and 59 years old; 30% have a disability; 24% have a psychiatric disorder; 30% have high levels of alcohol consumption; and 38% are under 60 years old with no home to return to,” according to the data cited by the official.
FAQs on the Situation of Homeless Individuals in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the plight of homeless individuals in Cuba, especially those with mental illnesses.
Who is Brayan and why is he roaming the streets of Cienfuegos?
Brayan is a young man from Silverita, Ariza, in Rodas municipality, around 18 or 19 years old, who has a mental disability. He has presumably escaped from his home and is wandering the streets of Cienfuegos.
What actions have been taken to help Brayan?
Several people, including former classmates and teachers, have expressed concern for Brayan’s well-being. A social media post by Betty Linny has raised awareness, and some individuals have informed Brayan’s mother about his whereabouts.
What is the current state of homelessness in Cuba?
There has been a significant increase in the number of homeless people in Cuba, many of whom have mental illnesses, disabilities, or alcoholism. The government’s response has been insufficient, leading to a reliance on charitable help from citizens.
What measures has the Cuban government implemented to address homelessness?
The Cuban government has announced plans to remove beggars from the streets and establish social protection centers in all provinces. These centers will provide clinical evaluations and multidisciplinary care for homeless individuals.