A 20-year-old Cuban who arrived in the United States just a month ago and recently found himself homeless in Tampa has received help from TikToker Dairon Cano.
"Young Cuban is kicked out onto the street after only a month in the USA. Let's help him, please!" wrote Cano alongside a video showing him giving the young man food to take to the temporary housing where he is staying and $100.
In the video, the young man appears very humble and grateful for the gesture from the Cuban influencer, whose act of kindness has garnered over 7,000 comments in just three days, many praising his generosity and the young man's appreciative attitude.
In another recent video, Dairon Cano presented the young migrant—identified on TikTok as Gisel Humberto—with a pot and a television for when he gets his own apartment.
In the footage, the young man emphatically thanked the influencer, who reiterated the call to collaborate because "Cubans are here to help each other." "Let's keep supporting from the heart," Cano concluded.
Last week, Gisel Humberto impressed thousands of Cubans by sharing that he was kicked out of the temporary housing in Tampa without any issue, simply because the landlords did not want anyone there. He mentioned he used to do domestic chores in the house where he was staying, and on that particular day, the person—whose gender was not specified—told him he had to leave.
"It's very difficult to be in a country that is not yours, without family and friends. Believe me, it's true, without anyone to support you, without anyone to lend a hand," said the young man while documenting live as he walked along a road looking for a place to sleep.
"It's super tough to leave Cuba with the hope of arriving in another country and having everything go well. The hope of being able to work, to support your family, and then having these kinds of things happen," he added during another part of his broadcast.
"I didn't come to this country with the intention of giving up; I came with a strong desire to work, and even if I face one obstacle after another, I will move forward because that was the promise I made to my mom, so I'm not going to let these obstacles stop me. Forward," he added.
After surviving his first night sleeping on the street, the young man detailed in another live that he had no choice but to set out with his backpack. He looked for nearby churches that might provide shelter but found none and decided to walk to the airport. He said a man stopped and gave him a ride to the airport along the way.
Meanwhile, his mother in Cuba, who was aware of the situation and desperate, reached out to friends who brought him food at the airport and helped him.
Eventually, his mother's friends brought him food and told him, "Going back to Cuba is not a solution. You're here now."
Gisel Humberto mentioned that he is currently staying at his mother's friends' house and is happy because several of his documents have arrived. The young man, who said he is a professional dancer and a graduate of an art school, expressed his gratitude to those helping him get on his feet. Although he would like to pursue dance at some point, he understands that first, he needs to work in whatever he can, form a stable path, and then he can expand his horizons and try to advance professionally.
FAQs on Cuban Migrant Support in the U.S.
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding support for Cuban migrants in the U.S., based on the story of Gisel Humberto's experience.
What kind of aid do Cuban migrants typically receive upon arrival in the U.S.?
Cuban migrants often receive assistance from local communities, charitable organizations, and sometimes individuals who are willing to help with basic necessities like food, housing, and clothing.
How can I help Cuban migrants in my area?
You can help by donating to local charities focused on migrant aid, offering temporary housing, providing job opportunities, or even just giving moral support and guidance.
Are there any government programs that assist Cuban migrants?
Yes, there are government programs that offer various forms of assistance to Cuban migrants, including legal support, financial aid, and help with finding employment and housing.