In an uplifting turn of events, seven-year-old Stephanie, who has a disability, and her grandmother Mireiba have found joy and renewed hope after months of living outdoors following the collapse of their home in the Venezuela municipality of Ciego de Ávila. This change was made possible by the heartfelt generosity of many Cubans who banded together to purchase a new house for them.
Guillermo Rodríguez Sánchez, an activist, shared the joyful news on Facebook, exclaiming, "The house is done!" He posted a video capturing the emotional first visit of the grandmother and granddaughter to their new home, where they will begin a fresh chapter in their lives. The scene was filled with tears, laughter, and a whirlwind of emotions as they realized their days of hardship had transformed into a happy reality, made possible through the compassion of Rodríguez, Verona Bonce, and many others.
“I am so moved, so grateful... Oh my God!” Mireiba expressed while exploring the new house and noticing the generous donations. She repeatedly wiped away tears with a towel. Meanwhile, Stephanie excitedly explored every corner, exclaiming in astonishment, “Wow, it’s so beautiful!” In a moment of delight, she opened a closet and declared, "This is my part, and this is your part," to her grandmother.
Photographs captured the joyous moment when they received the keys to their home. In the prelude to the video and various posts, Rodríguez extended thanks to everyone who contributed monetary donations and household items, including clothes, shoes, and toys for the little girl.
The funds raised since the aid campaign began in June allowed the purchase of a house in the same neighborhood of Venezuela, just four blocks from their previous residence. Rodríguez detailed the donations, highlighting that they bought the house with 500,000 pesos collected, and acknowledged those who donated a refrigerator (costing 80,000 pesos), a television (120,000 CUP), rice and bean cookers, a blender, and a dining set. Additionally, the closet was bought with 10,000 pesos from the contributions.
Supporters from Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey also donated 180 pounds of clothing, shoes, and toys. Paint for the house, costing 9,000 pesos, was also purchased. Rodríguez announced plans to revisit the home soon: “Once Mireiba has painted, cleaned, and moved in with more surprises and a toast, I’ll provide another financial update.”
“Today, we have achieved the highest good; we have provided happiness and shelter to a courageous grandmother who, under dire conditions, took on the care of her hearing-impaired granddaughter after her mother abandoned her,” he stated.
“This video belongs to all of you, this achievement is thanks to the kind and empathetic souls who erased their despair,” he added, thanking everyone who supported them, from those who liked and shared posts to those who entrusted him and Verona with donations, whether 100 dollars or 100 Cuban pesos.
“God is watching us today, God sees you at all times, and this rain is a divine cleansing from heaven to purify the moment,” he noted. “Mireiba and Stephanie, enjoy your home; you truly deserve it.”
In the comments, Verona revealed, “More things are needed. This was urgent as the girl and her grandmother were exposed to the rain, and similar weather is expected in the coming days. We will provide more appliances and other items. We aim to cover every detail. The ultimate result will be the happiness of this precious girl and her grandmother’s peace of mind.”
The aid campaign for 52-year-old Mireiba and her seven-year-old granddaughter Stephanie began in June after Rodríguez revealed they were living outdoors following the collapse of their home three months prior in the Van Van neighborhood of the Venezuela municipality.
The grandmother had taken responsibility for Stephanie since her mother abandoned her months ago. Stephanie, born with a congenital malformation (auditory canal agenesis) and hearing impairment, attended a special school for deaf and hearing-impaired children and is now in the second grade at "Venezuela Libre" school.
Mireiba took on domestic work to earn a little money and sustain them in what remained of their home post-collapse, without appliances or basic living conditions. Neighbors assisted by providing meals.
Rodríguez noted that the woman had sought help from the local government. “The only response so far was the provision of those twisted logs seen in one of the photos,” he criticized. In those days, neighbors helped construct a makeshift shelter with old tiles and some sticks, allowing them to continue sleeping there.
The plight of Stephanie and her grandmother highlights the severe housing crisis in Cuba. In 2024, only a fraction of the homes built in 1984 and 2006 were constructed, according to economist Pedro Monreal. “Even in the worst year of the Special Period (1992), nearly three times more homes were built than in 2024,” he emphasized.
State media reported that the regime’s housing plan fell severely short in the first quarter of 2025, achieving only 12.4% of its target. The shortage of cement, halted key factories, and low public investment have exacerbated the issue.
Insight into Cuba's Housing Crisis
What led to Stephanie and Mireiba living outdoors?
After their home collapsed in Venezuela municipality, the grandmother and granddaughter had no proper shelter, forcing them to live in the open air until help arrived.
How did the community aid Stephanie and Mireiba?
Generous donations from the community, including money, appliances, and essential items, enabled the purchase of a new home for them.
What does their situation reveal about Cuba's housing issues?
Their plight highlights the severe housing crisis in Cuba, marked by significant declines in home construction and unmet government housing plans.