A homeless Cuban with mental illness is forced to wash his hair in a dirty, stagnant puddle in the heart of El Vedado in Havana due to the lack of shelter and institutional support. The images were shared by the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP) on their Facebook page. The video serves as evidence of the neglect faced by vulnerable individuals on the island, who lack access to medical care or support from the regime.
The incident occurred on H Street, between Calzada and 9th Avenue, where water accumulates in puddles filled with debris. This man, who has made his home in the dilapidated stands of the José Martí Sports Park, used the contaminated water because it was his only option for personal hygiene.
This distressing event not only highlights the extreme poverty in which this person lives but also the state's indifference toward those who, like him, have been forgotten. The park, once a space dedicated to sports, has now become a refuge of despair for at least five other individuals who survive in inhumane conditions without access to basic services.
The neglect of these citizens, forced to subsist in daily misery, is a painful testament to the government's disregard for the most vulnerable members of society. Day after day, many homeless individuals face the harsh realities of street life in Cuba, with little hope for a solution while the authorities remain unmoved by their suffering.
The ICLEP has called on Cubans not to remain silent in the face of this sad reality. The homeless population is growing in Cuba, with stories marked not only by mental illnesses but also by increasing extreme poverty and a migration crisis that has left thousands of elderly people without family care.
These issues are directly related to the regime's flawed economic policies. In June, authorities announced a plan to remove "wandering people" from the streets. Among the planned actions is the creation of a Social Protection Center in Las Tunas, which will join others already established in Pinar del Río, Havana, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Holguín, Granma, and Santiago de Cuba. However, these institutions are insufficient.
The government attempts to place the burden of responsibility for these social cases on families, but most are extremely vulnerable, or there are simply no young people left to care for these individuals because they have left the country. The elderly and mentally ill homeless in Cuba need attention, respect, and support. Their stories must be made visible so that they do not continue to be forgotten.
Addressing the Plight of Homelessness in Cuba
In light of the alarming situation faced by the homeless population in Cuba, here are some key questions and answers to better understand the challenges and potential solutions.
What are the main causes of homelessness in Cuba?
The main causes of homelessness in Cuba include mental illness, extreme poverty, and a migration crisis that has left many elderly people without family support. These issues are exacerbated by the regime's flawed economic policies.
What actions has the Cuban government taken to address homelessness?
The Cuban government announced a plan to remove "wandering people" from the streets and create Social Protection Centers in various provinces. However, these measures are insufficient to meet the needs of the homeless population.
How can the public help address homelessness in Cuba?
The public can help by raising awareness of the plight of the homeless, supporting organizations like ICLEP, and advocating for better policies and resources to address the needs of vulnerable populations.