The Cuban regime has expressed concern over the rising homelessness in the United States, all the while keeping its own escalating poverty and homelessness statistics under wraps. In a Facebook post, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla voiced his alarm about the "disturbing growth of homelessness in the United States," noting an 18% increase in homeless individuals in 2024. He criticized the U.S. government for spending billions on wars and subverting other governments while neglecting its citizens.
Online commentators quickly pointed out the irony, reminding the minister that Cuba is facing a similar, if not worse, situation. One user questioned, "And in Cuba??????????????????????????. Meanwhile, the Cuban government squanders billions of USD," emphasizing the stark reality on the island.
Homelessness has surged significantly in Cuba, with poverty affecting 90% of the populace, according to the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights. Their reports reveal that seven out of ten Cubans have had to skip meals due to financial constraints or food scarcity.
Cuban Poverty Crisis: A Nationwide Concern
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) reports that from 2014 to 2023, 3,690 individuals were recorded as homeless, a figure steadily climbing due to the ongoing economic crisis. This crisis is characterized by a lack of food, medicine shortages, high prices, and inadequate wages. Despite the government's attempts to downplay the severity of the issue, the statistics remain alarming. The 2012 Population and Housing Census recorded over 1,100 people living on the streets, a number that increased to 1,261 by 2015.
Recent reports have highlighted the growing number of people resorting to begging in churches or from the few tourists visiting the island. The rise in extreme poverty in Cuba is attributed to various factors, including an aging population, mass emigration, inflation, shortages of basic goods, and government policies widely criticized for exacerbating the country's social crisis. As a result, begging is no longer an isolated issue, affecting individuals across all ages and backgrounds.
Government Inaction and Social Inequality
Despite efforts to conceal this harsh reality, the phenomenon is increasingly visible in cities like Havana, where police have identified dozens living on the streets without family support. The lack of institutional alternatives and growing social inequality underscore the regime's inability to effectively tackle extreme poverty.
Understanding the Homelessness Crisis in Cuba and the U.S.
What are the main causes of rising homelessness in Cuba?
The increase in homelessness in Cuba is primarily due to an aging population, mass emigration, inflation, shortages of basic goods, and ineffective government policies that have worsened the social crisis.
How has the Cuban government responded to the homelessness issue?
The Cuban government has largely attempted to downplay the extent of homelessness, lacking effective institutional alternatives to address the issue and resulting in a growing visibility of the problem on the streets.
Why did the Cuban Foreign Minister comment on U.S. homelessness?
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla commented on U.S. homelessness to criticize the American government's spending priorities, highlighting the alleged neglect of its own citizens while investing in foreign conflicts.