A video shared on Instagram by Cuban content creator Leah Casals has sparked a wave of support for Eddy, a 64-year-old single father raising his two children, aged nine and ten, in Trinidad, Cuba. The family is living in severe poverty in a home that is on the brink of collapse.
The video, created in partnership with projects like El Trinitario de a Pie, Aneah Project, Cubania Travel, and Jenny Peláez, highlights the urgent need to improve the living conditions of this family and to fund the medication required for one of Eddy's children, who suffers from a chronic illness.
Leah Casals describes Eddy's life as one of sacrifice, stating, "At 64, Eddy's life is not defined by rest, but by sacrifice. While the city sleeps, he works long night shifts so that his children never go hungry."
The family resides in an abandoned building that threatens to collapse. Leah Casals notes, "A structure on the verge of falling, yet they call it 'home' because it's all they have."
In the video, Eddy's voice can be heard expressing gratitude for the donations received and acknowledging the severity of their plight: "We've constantly faced many hardships, both financially and spiritually, dealing with illnesses and more."
Eddy speaks of his young son who needs costly medication, an expense he cannot cover with his night job earnings. Despite these challenges, Eddy remains hopeful, saying, "I live here with my little ones, hoping each day for things to come as God wills."
The campaign organizers urge those who want to help to share the video, comment to raise awareness, and reach out via direct message if they wish to contribute donations directly.
Eddy's story sheds light on a widespread issue in Cuba, where single parents are among the hardest hit by the ongoing crisis. According to 2025 estimates from Human Rights Watch, 40% of Cuba's urban population lives in poverty, and an adult needs the equivalent of 20 minimum monthly wages to afford a basic diet.
These community-driven initiatives on social media have increased as the Cuban state fails to provide effective social assistance. This month, the Regalando Sonrisas project highlighted the case of Yaquelín, a single mother of nine battling cancer, in a situation similar to Eddy's in Trinidad.
Leah Casals concludes her post with a heartfelt message: "We want these children to sleep peacefully, without fear of the cracks, and for this brave father to know he is not alone in his fight."
Understanding the Crisis Faced by Cuban Single Parents
What sparked the campaign to help Eddy and his children?
The campaign was initiated after a video posted by Leah Casals on Instagram highlighted the dire living conditions of Eddy and his children, prompting a call for community support.
How can people contribute to Eddy's cause?
Individuals can help by sharing the video to raise awareness, commenting to increase visibility, and contacting the organizers via direct message to make direct donations.
What challenges do single parents in Cuba face?
Single parents in Cuba often struggle with poverty, lack of adequate housing, and the inability to afford basic necessities, exacerbated by the country's economic crisis.