In Spain, the Cobijo Cubano Association shines as a beacon of hope for emigrants from the Caribbean island arriving in the country, particularly in Madrid, where the initiative's headquarters are located. Founded in the Spanish capital by Catholic priest Bladimir Navarro Lorenzo, the members of this project launched a campaign this Friday to continue aiding Cuban emigrants arriving in Spain.
Support Campaign for Vulnerable Cuban Immigrants
Under the banner "Donation Campaign: Your Help, My Shelter," the goal is to "sustain the assistance to Cuban emigrants arriving in Madrid, who find themselves in vulnerable situations and in need of a home," the project's leaders told the independent media outlet Diario de Cuba (DDC).
"We also aim to help others with essential goods, legal guidance, and resources for their social and labor integration," they added, emphasizing that the project not only focuses on newcomers but also on those with irregular immigration status.
The members of this Association are acutely aware of the crisis facing Cubans, openly stating that the situation "leaves no room for hope" due to the government's ineffective economic management, political repression, harassment, shortages of medicine, food, and potable water, increased violence, and power outages.
Over its years of operation, the project has collected significant data on Cuban immigration to Spain, noting that most Cubans arriving in the European nation are young working-age individuals and families with young children. These groups often find themselves in vulnerable conditions, lacking access to housing due to the absence of financial support or employment contracts, according to DDC.
With this new appeal for support, the goal is to heed the call of Pope Francis and transform this project into an "oasis of mercy." With the funds raised, they aim to cover rent and utility expenses for 17 housing units, along with purchasing food, medicine, educational aid, fuel, and furniture, among other necessities, as reported to the media.
Cobijo was founded on September 8, 2022, coinciding with the celebrations of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, Patroness of Cuba. According to their website, since then, they have welcomed 195 Cubans and assisted many others with clothing, food, psychological support, and guidance for regularization in Spain as well as job search assistance.
Their office hours are from Monday to Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at the parish, which serves as their headquarters in the municipality of Alcobendas. Since May 2023, they have been officially established as an Association before the Community of Madrid.
The number of Cubans residing in Spain has reached a historic high of nearly 200,000, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) of Spain as of January 1, 2023. Up to that date, 198,639 people born in Cuba were registered, of which 73,548 held resident status.
Supporting Cuban Immigrants in Madrid: Key Questions Answered
For those seeking to understand the efforts of the Cobijo Cubano Association and the broader context of Cuban immigration in Spain, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is the primary mission of the Cobijo Cubano Association?
The Cobijo Cubano Association aims to assist Cuban emigrants in Madrid by providing shelter, essential goods, legal guidance, and resources for social and labor integration.
Who founded the Cobijo Cubano Association?
The association was founded by Catholic priest Bladimir Navarro Lorenzo in Madrid.
How many Cubans has the association helped so far?
Since its inception, the Cobijo Cubano Association has welcomed 195 Cubans and assisted many others with various forms of support.