A team of young Cubans, spearheaded by the influencer Melissa, known on social media as "Meli creating with heart," has provided a home to an elderly couple who were in dire straits in Holguín.
This marks the second house donation within a week as part of Melissa's charitable initiative, which is entirely funded by public contributions.
The recipient, Milagros, a nursing aide, along with her husband, not only received the keys to their new home but also clothing, household appliances, and food—items that have become unattainable luxuries for millions of Cubans today.
An Instagram video captures Milagros overwhelmed with emotion, embracing Melissa, and repeating, "Oh my God, now I have a house where I can live peacefully. I feel so happy."
"In all these years, I never imagined I would have a little house here," Milagros confessed, voicing the harsh reality faced by those who work for the Cuban government yet are unable to secure decent housing.
Milagros earns between 4,000 and 4,400 Cuban pesos monthly as a nursing aide, a salary equivalent to less than 20 dollars, insufficient to meet basic needs, let alone afford housing in Cuba's informal market.
Melissa expressed her feelings in the video post, saying, "Today was truly exceptional because every step, all the effort, the madness of trying to do everything as quickly and perfectly as possible… it's all worth it in these moments."
She concluded with a promise that encapsulates her project's spirit: "Together we can… we will mend more hearts."
Citizen-Driven Solutions Amidst Housing Crisis
This is Melissa's project's second accomplishment. The first home was given to three vulnerable elderly individuals, also in Holguín, including a woman named Delia. At that time, Melissa stated, "We do listen, we do respond to their cries for help," a statement starkly contrasting with the regime's inaction amidst the housing crisis.
The initiative relies solely on the voluntary donations of Cubans both on the island and abroad, without any link to the government.
The comparison with the government's management is striking. Cuba has an official housing deficit exceeding 900,000 homes, with over 35% of the housing stock in fair or poor condition, and state construction plans routinely fall short: in 2025, only 22% of the planned homes were completed, merely 2,382 out of 10,795.
Holguín, where Melissa's efforts are concentrated, was one of the hardest-hit provinces by the hurricane in the fall of 2025, which damaged over 95,000 homes in eastern Cuba. Government promises for reconstruction were once again unmet, with healthcare workers reporting total neglect following the storm.
Melissa's initiative is part of a growing phenomenon of citizen solidarity that fills the void left by the government. The humanitarian project "Dar es Dar" distributes medicine and food across various provinces, and in Ciego de Ávila, Cubans raised over 215,000 pesos in 24 hours for a needy family in April 2026.
These acts of kindness are common among ordinary citizens—often young people—who step in where the state falls short, documenting their efforts on social media to rally further support.
Understanding the Impact of Citizen Initiatives in Cuba
What is the significance of Melissa's initiative in Holguín?
Melissa's initiative is significant as it provides direct aid to individuals neglected by the government, addressing the acute housing crisis in Cuba through citizen solidarity.
How is Melissa's project funded?
The project is entirely funded by voluntary donations from Cubans both inside and outside the country, with no ties to the state.
What challenges do Cubans face in securing housing?
Cubans face a severe housing shortage, with an official deficit of over 900,000 homes and deteriorating housing conditions, compounded by the government's failure to meet construction goals.