In a heart-wrenching situation, a seven-year-old girl and her grandmother have been living without a roof over their heads following the collapse of their home in the Venezuela municipality of Ciego de Ávila. This dire case was brought to light on Facebook by Cuban writer Guillermo Rodríguez Sánchez, who shared images, statements from neighbors, and a video depicting their living conditions.
"Stephanie is a seven-year-old bright and beautiful girl who was born with a congenital malformation. She lacks an auditory canal and auricular pavilion," Rodríguez revealed in his initial post. "As a result, she is hearing impaired and, after attending a special school for deaf and hearing-impaired children, she is now in the second grade at the 'Venezuela Libre' school in her local municipality of Ciego de Ávila."
Stephanie resides with her 52-year-old grandmother, Miraiba, in the Van Van neighborhood. "The little girl ended up here because her mother abandoned her a few months ago; one day, she never came to pick her up from school, and the grandmother had to be called," Rodríguez explained. "Miraiba took responsibility for the child, but about three months ago, their home collapsed, leaving them exposed to the elements."
Struggling to Survive
The post illustrates their plight, noting that they possess "not a single appliance," and "spend nights under the moon and stars," surviving thanks to the generosity of neighbors who offer them food in exchange for the only valuables they have—avocados from their yard tree. "The young girl manages with a pair of shoes until they fall apart... after that, there are no more," it continued. Photos shared show personal belongings on the ground, organized plants, a mirror, and basic utensils all out in the open. "They are completely abandoned, and the makeshift shelter lacks the most basic living conditions," Rodríguez added.
Community Efforts and Government Response
In response to the community's plea for help, local government actions have been minimal. "They requested assistance from the local government, and the only response so far was the delivery of those twisted logs you see in one of the photos," Rodríguez pointed out.
Despite these challenges, the grandmother's character shines through, as noted by Rodríguez: "Verona and Benito Papá visited many residents in their area who can vouch for her dedication to her granddaughter's survival, and she even helps others whenever possible by lending a hand with household chores." Rodríguez added that, in spite of everything, "she welcomed Verona Bonce with a smile and even gifted some avocados."
In an update, Rodríguez mentioned, "We are now receiving monetary aid for the grandmother and the girl from the Venezuela municipality in Ciego de Ávila." He noted that compassionate individuals were visiting them to bring hygiene items, clothing, and monetary contributions. Additionally, "a makeshift roof was constructed using old tiles and some sticks with the help of neighbors."
The Broader Housing Crisis in Cuba
Stephanie and her grandmother's predicament unfolds against the backdrop of a severe housing crisis in Cuba. According to economist Pedro Monreal, in 2024, the country built five times fewer homes than in 1984 and fifteen times fewer than in 2006. "In the worst year of the Special Period (1992), almost three times more homes were built than in 2024," the expert highlighted.
State media have acknowledged that the government fell significantly short of its housing plan in the first quarter of 2025, achieving only 12.4% of its target. Cement shortages, the halt of key factories, and low public investment have exacerbated the problem.
In 2024, the government allocated over 11,900 million pesos to tourism and just 1,682 million to housing construction, which Monreal argues reflects a "misguided" investment priority. In this context, cases like that of Stephanie and her grandmother highlight the social consequences of state neglect in crucial sectors and the increasing reliance on community solidarity to meet basic needs, such as securing a decent shelter.
Addressing the Housing Crisis in Cuba
What led to Stephanie and her grandmother living outdoors?
After the collapse of their home, Stephanie and her grandmother were left without shelter. The local government's minimal assistance and the lack of resources have forced them to live in the open.
How has the community responded to their situation?
The community has been supportive, providing food, clothing, and some monetary aid. Neighbors have also helped construct a makeshift roof for temporary shelter.
What is the current state of housing in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a severe housing crisis, with significantly fewer homes being built compared to previous years. Contributing factors include shortages of materials, halted factory operations, and inadequate public investment.