A Cuban mother and her son, living on the streets of Tampa without a home or job, have reached out for help to find employment and escape their dire situation, which has persisted since May.
Cuban TikToker Roger Roger (rogerito81), known for assisting fellow Cubans residing in Tampa, Florida, who are homeless, highlighted the case of Sorania Telena and her 12-year-old son this Wednesday. The pair are currently asking for help on the streets to afford food and nightly accommodations in a hotel.
The influencer urged the Cuban community in Tampa to come together and support this mother and her son, who are in desperate need. Telena, originally from Santiago de Cuba, has been in the United States for 18 years and holds residency. Roger found her in the area of Hillsborough and Habana avenues, where she was selling t-shirts to gather funds for a hotel stay.
A Mother's Struggle
When asked why she was in such a situation, Telena described her ordeal: “My rent increased to a thousand dollars. I lost my job. Since May, I’ve been on the street with my child… I'm paying for hotels, I'm buying food. I’ve visited various places seeking government assistance for rent.”
Roger inquired if she had applied for government aid, to which she responded that the only support she receives is food stamps because “even my Medicaid was taken away.” Telena also mentioned that they do not have a social worker. “I went to the Metropolitan office and I’m on a list for a shelter, but nothing is resolved yet… I currently have no place to live,” she stated.
“I sleep in a hotel. Here, as you can see, I’m selling my t-shirts. They help me here, and then I go to a hotel, pay $75 for the night, and also have to buy food,” she confessed. Saddened, Telena explained why her son hasn't been able to start school: “We’re so unstable. One night in one hotel, another night in a different hotel… Friends have helped us for a night, but unfortunately, I can’t find a job… And that’s how we’re living, waiting to see what happens.”
Telena revealed to the influencer that she had shared her situation with the Office of Children and Families. “All they give me is a phone number, 2-1-1, which provides another list of numbers…”. She also contacted a congresswoman in Armenia, but “they don’t have funds to help us at the moment.”
Roger Roger assured her that he would do everything possible to support her and pleaded with the Cuban community to assist the family. “I’m calling on our Cuban community here in Tampa, which is very generous and supportive. Whenever I’ve shared cases on social media, they’ve shown their solidarity immediately… If you can pass by and buy these t-shirts to help them sustain themselves, or if you can help in any other way, she would be grateful,” he expressed.
The TikToker emphasized that the woman is not asking for money but for a job. “She’s tired of standing on a corner asking for money; she needs a job. Please, I’m also asking, I’m begging. Any Cuban entrepreneur here in Tampa watching this video, my beautiful community, please show solidarity with this case and help this lady find a job so she can feed her child and send him to school.”
In an emotional plea to her fellow Cubans in Tampa, the mother begged: “I want to ask the Cuban community to help me, please help me find a job. That’s what I need… to pay rent for me and my son… I need your help.”
“I don’t want to be on a street corner begging for help every day,” she admitted through tears. “Yes, people have helped. Many have helped, but I need a job to support my son. Today I sleep in a hotel; tomorrow, I don’t know. Every day I seek help to have a roof over my child’s head. Please, I ask from the bottom of my heart.”
FAQs on Seeking Help for Homelessness in Tampa
This section answers some common questions related to seeking help for homelessness in Tampa, inspired by the story of Sorania Telena and her son.
What government assistance is available for homeless families in Tampa?
Homeless families in Tampa can seek assistance from the Office of Children and Families, apply for food stamps, and get on waiting lists for shelters. They can also contact local congress representatives for additional resources.
How can I help a homeless family in Tampa?
You can help by donating money, food, or essentials, purchasing items they sell, or assisting them in finding employment. Supporting local shelters and organizations that aid the homeless can also make a significant impact.
Are there local organizations in Tampa that provide shelter to homeless families?
Yes, organizations like Metropolitan Ministries offer shelter and support services for homeless families in Tampa. It’s advisable to get on their waiting lists and reach out to them for help.