"This place fell apart four years ago, and we're still living here," says a young Cuban man whose story has sparked strong reactions on social media through a video shared by content creator Elcreadorcubano. Despite his home partially collapsing over four years ago in Havana, he continues to live among the rubble with his mother due to a lack of housing alternatives. His account, documented in two TikTok videos by @creadorcubano, has ignited discussions about Cuba's severe housing crisis.
"Of course, I live here… it collapsed in '69, and look at us now. I have no other option," the young man explains while guiding the creator through his living space. The first video, titled "The Cuba Tourists Don't Know, Part 1," was posted five days ago, showing the building's dilapidated state, with crumbling walls, exposed wires, and clearly uninhabitable conditions. The young man mentions that since the collapse, progress on repairs has been minimal. "My mom is without a bathroom, we're building, slowly moving forward," he remarks.
The second video, released two days later, reveals more of their harsh reality: "I lost my home, lost everything… and yes, I'm scared it'll collapse on me while I sleep, but I have nowhere else to go." He admits living each day in fear of the structure's complete collapse, endangering his life and that of his loved ones. Nevertheless, he insists, "For my family, I'll do anything."
Old Havana: Between Collapse and Neglect
Social media comments pinpoint the location to the area of Aguiar and Cuarteles in Old Havana. "That's my block," "Yendri used to live there," several users commented, recognizing the place. Others lamented the lack of institutional intervention: "Aren't they going to help him?" one user asked, while another questioned, "Was help given, or was it just content creation?" In response, the creator offered messages of support such as "Blessings" and heart emojis, without providing details on any assistance beyond sharing the story online.
This isn't the first time the creator has highlighted harsh living conditions in Cuba. In February, he posted a reunion with a former schoolmate living on the streets, visibly affected by hardship. "This broke my soul, I wasn't prepared for this," he said after providing financial help. The video went viral but also attracted criticism for documenting the moment.
Structural Crisis: Homeless and Helpless
The young man's story is yet another illustration of Cuba's deep housing crisis. In March, a Cuban mother was evicted along with her four children from an empty building in the Diez de Octubre municipality, where she had sought refuge out of desperation. She reported being ignored by authorities, complaining about the lack of alternatives: "My daughter was in intensive care, and they left us without a home."
Several recent collapses have been reported in the same municipality. During a widespread blackout, one building's collapse trapped people in darkness, as documented in the collapse on the Calzada de 10 de Octubre. In February, another building in Santos Suárez fell, despite being declared uninhabitable years ago. Many families returned because the offered shelters were in worse conditions.
Official figures indicate that 35% of the country's homes are in poor condition, but independent reports suggest even higher numbers. The government's Housing Plan only met 39% of its goal for 2024, hindered by cement shortages, lacking basic materials, and a collapsed industrial infrastructure.
A Call from the Ruins
The images shared by Elcreadorcubano have opened a window into the harsh reality faced by many Cubans lacking access to decent housing. Testimonies like that of the young man in Old Havana reveal not just physical ruins but also emotional ones: living in constant fear without answers.
While the regime insists on reactivating cement plants or "finding our own solutions," as stated by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, thousands of families continue to sleep within cracked walls, hoping not to become the next victims of a foreseeable collapse.
Understanding Cuba’s Housing Crisis
What caused the housing crisis in Cuba?
The housing crisis in Cuba is largely due to a combination of factors including economic mismanagement, lack of investment in infrastructure, and material shortages. The socialist government's policies have contributed to inadequate maintenance and development of housing, leading to widespread structural decay.
How many homes are in poor condition in Cuba?
Official statistics indicate that 35% of Cuban homes are in poor condition, but independent reports suggest the percentage may be even higher.