Cry for Assistance for a Struggling Family in Ciego de Ávila

A social media post has sparked a wave of support in Ciego de Ávila after bringing to light the dire circumstances of a family living near the provincial hospital. The plea, shared by Facebook user Guillermo Rodríguez Sánchez, highlighted the severe plight of an 88-year-old woman with serious health issues and her daughter, a teacher with limited economic means.

The elderly woman, bedridden with a diagnosis of orbital pseudotumor, resides in a dilapidated wooden house with her daughter. The home was severely damaged by a hurricane several years ago, and government aid for its reconstruction never materialized. The roof leaks during rainstorms, the walls crumble, and the structure is overrun by mold and termites, making it impossible to maintain a clean and safe environment.

Besides her eye condition, the elderly woman suffers from a gastrointestinal disorder causing incontinence. Her daughter, who must leave her alone during the day to work as a teacher, cannot afford to hire caregivers on her salary. Rodríguez Sánchez described his visit to the home in a post, confirming the seriousness of their situation. He expressed gratitude for donations from some Ciego de Ávila residents and called for further assistance to improve the family's living conditions. "We don't want a palace, just something dignified for two human beings to live," he stated.

The post included banking information for donations in both MLC and national currency, along with a list of urgent needs like disposable diapers, sheets, and towels. Since the message was shared, many social media users have voiced their outrage and empathy, with some offering donations and others urging local authorities to provide immediate assistance. Rodríguez Sánchez also appealed for a Mipyme of builders to offer free construction services to repair the home. "It's time for action, not empty promises," he emphasized.

This family's case has become an emblem of community solidarity that continues to inspire the Cuban people amidst adversity. As residents of Ciego de Ávila rally to offer support, attention now turns to whether local authorities will respond to this urgent call.

In Cuba, citizen solidarity has been crucial in assisting families facing housing vulnerability. Various initiatives have emerged to provide decent homes to those in need. A recent example is a group of Cubans led by activist Norge Ernesto Díaz Blak, known as Noly Black, who raised funds to purchase a home for a mother in extreme poverty in Banes, Holguín. The house, bought for 200,000 pesos, significantly improved the family's living conditions, who previously lived in a fragile structure without walls or basic services.

Another notable case involves a family with three young children who were sleeping in parks in Holguín. Thanks to the mobilization of Cubans both inside and outside the country, funds were raised to provide them with a new home. Activists and civil society members led the campaign, successfully gathering the necessary resources for the house purchase in just four days.

Additionally, comedian Limay Blanco has delivered homes to families affected by disasters. In October 2023, he provided a house to a couple and their two daughters who had lost their home in a fire in the Boyeros municipality of Havana. This was the 26th home delivered as part of his solidarity project.

These actions underscore the ability of Cuban civil society to organize and offer support in crisis situations, often compensating for the lack of effective response from authorities. The solidarity among citizens has become a vital pillar in tackling housing challenges in Cuba.