A Cuban mother and her three children, who once lived in dire poverty in Holguín, have found solace in a new, decent home. This transformation was made possible by a heartfelt campaign led by local influencer Noly Blak, who remarkably raised 3,676,640 Cuban pesos.
Blak, with the support of his followers both on the island and abroad, has provided a refuge for the children who used to gather firewood to assist their mother. Now, they enjoy the comfort of a proper house, equipped with essential appliances, including a charcoal stove for cooking, and even received a refrigerator as a donation.
The children are overjoyed, as their new home accommodates the entire family, including their beloved pet dog.
The story gained widespread attention on March 28, when Blak shared a video on social media depicting the harsh living conditions the family endured. The children slept on the floor, and lacked basic necessities like shoes.
Noly was deeply touched when he asked the young girl her shoe size, to which she replied, "Poor people don't have a size," indicating she would wear any shoes she was given.
The eldest of the siblings would venture out with a cart attached to a bicycle to collect firewood, selling it for 200 pesos to support their pregnant mother.
The young mother is expecting her fourth child while the father remains incarcerated. They lived crammed into a single room, devoid of even the most basic living conditions.
The viral video of this touching story sparked a wave of donations, ultimately funding a decent home for the family.
This grassroots initiative highlights the government's failure to address the basic needs of its citizens. Many families continue to live in extreme poverty, forced to cook with wood or charcoal due to power outages that can last up to 36 hours.
The participants in this campaign emphasize that the blessing received by the children and their mother was not a government achievement—it was the people helping one another.
Key Insights into Holguín's Community Support
How did Noly Blak raise funds for the family?
Noly Blak raised funds by launching a solidarity campaign through social media, engaging his followers both inside and outside Cuba.
What were the living conditions of the family before the campaign?
The family lived in extreme poverty, cramped in a single room without basic living amenities. The children even lacked shoes and slept on the ground.
What does this story reveal about the Cuban government's role?
This story underscores the government's inability to meet the basic needs of its people, as grassroots efforts stepped in to provide what the state could not.