Ana Laura Ivizate, a prominent Cuban content creator, recently shared a compelling video on Instagram. In this heartfelt clip, she visits a family living in dire poverty: two young girls residing with their parents in a wooden shack with a dirt floor, lacking access to basic necessities.
The Cuban influencer made an urgent appeal for solidarity. Ivizate, who hails from the province of Pinar del Río and is active on Instagram under the handle @laury_luci_cami, reached out from her perspective as a mother, stating, "Today, I'm not speaking about content. I'm speaking as a mother, as a human being."
A Dire Situation Unveiled
In her post, Ivizate lays bare a distressing reality in Cuba, one that is more widespread than many might believe. "There are two little girls living in heartbreaking conditions, and it's even more painful to realize that nobody is doing anything about it," she lamented.
Her message is straightforward and heartfelt, seeking donations of money, clothing, food, or any assistance people can offer. "It's not about giving a lot; it's about giving with your heart," Ivizate wrote, sharing her Cuban phone number — 5460-9224 — for direct contact from those willing to help.
Community Response and Ongoing Efforts
The reaction in the comments was swift, with hundreds inquiring about the girls' location and how they could contribute. One follower encapsulated the frustration many feel: "Your gesture is remarkable, yet the video doesn't have the reach it deserves. It's baffling how meaningless content can garner a million likes, while this video doesn't."
This video follows a pattern Ivizate has consistently developed. In December 2025, her grandmother received a kerosene stove sent by a relative abroad, allowing her to make coffee or an omelet without waking up at 6:30 AM to light charcoal amidst power outages. The video went viral, inspiring another anonymous donor to send a gift to her grandmother.
Structural Challenges in Cuba
Ivizate has also highlighted that her community in Pinar del Río has gone nine months without regular water service, relying on a contaminated cistern. The case of the two girls is not an isolated incident. Cuba is grappling with a housing deficit exceeding 900,000 homes by 2026, with 35% of the housing stock in poor or bad condition, and a lack of construction materials makes it nearly impossible for families to repair their homes independently.
In the absence of a government response, Cuban content creators have become key intermediaries in providing aid. Instances such as a beauty queen sending help to those in need, or the creator "Meli" documenting Milagros, a retired nurse living in ruins on a pension that "doesn't even cover a day," exemplify this trend: it is the citizens and the diaspora who are stepping in to fill the void left by the regime.
Ivizate concluded her post with a poignant message: "Because love is not just a feeling... Love is something you show."
Frequently Asked Questions about Supporting Families in Cuba
How can I help the family featured in Ana Laura Ivizate's video?
You can contact Ana Laura Ivizate directly at her Cuban phone number, 5460-9224, to offer donations of money, clothing, food, or any other assistance.
What are the main challenges faced by families in Cuba?
Cuba faces a severe housing deficit, with over 900,000 homes needed and 35% of existing housing in poor condition. The scarcity of construction materials exacerbates the situation, making it difficult for families to repair their homes.
Who are the key figures aiding those in need in Cuba?
Cuban content creators and the diaspora have taken on the role of providing support, stepping in where the government has failed, and using their platforms to rally community assistance.