A Cuban man from Pinar del Río has shared his story through a video, revealing how he survives on the streets of Miami. For about a month and a half, he has been without a place to call home. José Canga, aged 64, arrived in the United States alone years ago and remains by himself, as his entire family is still in Cuba.
"I sleep on the streets, under the trees, wherever night falls on me. I stay near the nuns, by the Camillus House, because it's the only place where they give you food. Nowhere else offers meals, just here," he expressed in a video posted on the TikTok account of user Conducta.
José described the harsh realities of street life, emphasizing the struggle to survive each day. "You have to find ways to get by. A plate of food here, a chance to wash up there, and that's how it is," he explained.
Surviving Against All Odds
The elderly man noted that since arriving in the United States, he has continuously worked in home and apartment renovations. However, he did not elaborate on how he ended up in his current predicament. "Now I'm going to try to get my social security, because I'm 64 years old and I qualify. I have nothing. I don't have a cent in my pocket, no income from anywhere," he highlighted.
The Conducta account features testimonies and stories of Cubans facing hardships in Miami. Some have been in the country since the 1980s, while others arrived more recently. Despite their varied circumstances, many have ended up living on the streets, relying on charity.
A Call for Compassion
"Every homeless person has a story, dreams, and hope. A small act of kindness can change everything. Will you join the change?" asked the video creator, urging viewers to show solidarity.
Understanding Homelessness Among Cubans in Miami
Why is José Canga living on the streets of Miami?
José Canga has been without a home for about a month and a half, depending on places like Camillus House for food and sleeping under trees, as he has no income and his family remains in Cuba.
What challenges do homeless Cubans face in Miami?
Homeless Cubans in Miami face daily struggles to find food and shelter, often relying on charity and small acts of kindness to survive.