A Cuban man who had been living on the streets of Miami has secured a job in construction thanks to the selfless help of a fellow Cuban who reached out to him online. The young man, named Yasser, started working at a construction site on Monday after the good Samaritan picked him up and took him to the location.
"I told you all that I would share every second of my life with you. Wish me a happy workday," Yasser said in a video on his TikTok account.
In another video, Yasser expressed his gratitude to the Cuban exile community by singing a snippet of the song "Solo déjate amar" by Mexican singer Kalimba. "This song is dedicated to all of you with much love for all the support you have given me in these difficult days. God bless you, you are my family," he said emotionally.
Support from the Cuban Community in Miami
Yasser’s story was brought to light by actor Alexis Valdés, who approached him on the street and recorded a video message directed to TikToker Dairon Cano, who has gained popularity for helping fellow Cubans in tough situations in Miami. Dairon went to the location where Yasser was, and the young man explained that he arrived in the United States just a year ago through family reunification and had been on the streets for five days after ending his relationship with his girlfriend.
"I have a clean police record and everything; I can show it. I have no criminal history in this country; I got [the record] for my residency. I'm just going through a tough time, maybe due to bad decisions," Yasser explained. "I don't have a job, I don't have a place to stay. I have my paperwork in order and I'm just asking the Cuban community and all your followers to help me find a job. I have a license, I have everything," he added.
Just hours later, a Cuban woman from Hialeah offered him a place to stay, an altruistic and generous gesture that the influencer shared on TikTok. "She told me, 'Dairon, bring him here, I offer him my little house,'" he commented.
The woman shared that the young man's situation of sleeping on the street deeply moved her, as she knows what it’s like to go through hard times. "We are Cubans, and we have to help each other," she said. "Today for you, tomorrow for me, that's how it is. In Cuba, we share our poverty; if we have a lot or little here, we can share that too."
Questions About Yasser's Journey and Community Support
Yasser's story has raised many questions regarding his journey, the support from the Cuban community, and the challenges faced by immigrants in Miami. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
How did Yasser's story come to public attention?
Yasser's story was shared by actor Alexis Valdés, who recorded a video of him asking for help. This video was directed to TikToker Dairon Cano, who then visited Yasser and shared his story on social media.
What steps did Yasser take to find support?
Yasser reached out to the Cuban community through TikTok, explaining his situation and asking for help. His clean police record and valid paperwork helped garner support from those willing to assist him.
Who offered Yasser a place to stay?
A Cuban woman from Hialeah offered Yasser a place to stay, moved by his situation of living on the streets. Her act of kindness was shared by Dairon Cano on TikTok.