In the vibrant neighborhoods of Hialeah, where holiday lights brighten the streets and families share festive moments, José and María González find themselves amidst overwhelming uncertainty. The elderly couple, who once enjoyed the serenity of their small southern Florida haven, now grapple with the loss of their past and an unknown future.
Everything changed last November when a fire ravaged the home where they rented a modest efficiency, as reported by Telemundo 51. Authorities declared the building "unsafe," leaving it uninhabitable and forcing the couple to endure over 20 days without electricity. Eventually, they sought refuge in a humble motel on Okeechobee Road.
“The electricity couldn't be restored until the apartments were legalized, as it wasn't safe. We couldn't live there,” explained María González Cruz, deeply affected by their predicament. The couple faces significant challenges in securing new housing.
“They're asking for $1,800 for an apartment, and I was confident I could pay the rent,” said José M. González. However, he expressed frustration, noting, “When you arrive, they tell you that you must earn $5,000 a month. How are we supposed to make that?”
Struggling to Find a New Home
With more than seventy years behind them, the González couple has joined a waiting list for low-income apartments, but the process has been daunting. The response they received was far from encouraging. “They told us we're not a priority and that we have to wait. But if it takes six months, where are we going to live?” María questioned, worried about their uncertain future.
An earlier report by Telemundo 51 highlighted the ordeal faced by this elderly Cuban couple. Having lived in the efficiency for six years, José and his wife describe recent weeks as a harrowing experience. “Cooking is a challenge, with small gas canisters, otherwise we have to order food. I am diabetic,” José shared.
Health and Safety Concerns
The couple's health issues have worsened due to the lack of electricity. “I have sleep apnea, and I need my mask, but that requires power. My husband sleeps on the sofa with the door open, and I stay inside with a fan,” María explained.
The Hialeah Fire Department confirmed the structure's illegal status, requiring the owner to obtain construction permits for electricity reconnection. However, the owner claims the process is fraught with obstacles. “They talk about permits, but I'm passed from one inspector to another, and no one provides a concrete solution,” she expressed.
Seeking Assistance and Facing Delays
Despite seeking help, the González family still awaits a response from local authorities. “We've applied for Section 8 housing, but nothing. We've been waiting for 17 and a half years, while others arrive and get it quickly,” lamented José.
The city of Hialeah has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving the affected individuals in limbo. The González family's story highlights the plight of the most vulnerable in South Florida, underscoring the urgent need for housing solutions.
Challenges Facing Elderly Cuban Couples in Florida
What caused the displacement of the elderly Cuban couple in Hialeah?
The couple was displaced due to a fire that destroyed the home where they were renting an efficiency, which was later declared unsafe by authorities.
What obstacles are José and María González facing in finding new housing?
They are struggling with high rental costs and income requirements for new apartments, as well as delays in obtaining low-income housing.
How has the lack of electricity affected the González couple's health?
The absence of electricity has worsened their health issues; María needs power for her sleep apnea mask, and José has diabetes, complicating their living conditions.