Comedian and philanthropist Limay Blanco has once again stepped up to support a family facing extreme poverty: a mother who recently came to his home with her three children, pleading for food.
In his backyard, surrounded by family and friends, Limay welcomed a 22-year-old woman with her three children—ages four, two, and a seven-month-old baby—and provided her with much-needed assistance. The package included household appliances and food items that will temporarily ease the harsh reality she faces. She received a box of chicken, a sack of rice, spaghetti, oil, cleaning supplies, a pressure cooker, a blender, a fan, and even a washing machine.
The emotional moment was captured on video and shared on social media, where followers witnessed her speechless gratitude. Additionally, a collaborator known as "The Cuban Iron Man," who was in Spain last July, gave her 50 euros for immediate expenses.
The young woman has lived for five years in a borrowed wooden house with a dirt floor. Her husband emigrated to Brazil, and they have no contact. With a meager monthly income of 3,000 pesos—about 12 dollars at the informal exchange rate—she struggles to feed her children.
Limay expressed that he currently cannot provide her with a home but remains hopeful about future possibilities. "God loves you. In Jesus' name, I declare that someone will see this video and reach out to buy her a house," he stated.
The Backstory of a Desperate Plea
When this mother visited Limay's house in a desperate act days ago, she wasn't asking for money, just a bit of food. At that time, Limay only had leftover sweets from a community event, which he shared with her and then posted the encounter on his social media. The video sparked a wave of comments, many harshly questioning her dyed hair or why she had three children. Limay firmly responded, "Children are not a curse. They are a blessing."
Highlighting Systemic Poverty in Cuba
This case highlights a widespread truth throughout the country: systemic poverty trapping countless Cuban families in desperation. Inadequate wages, substandard housing, divided families, and the lack of effective public policies force young mothers to knock on doors seeking the most basic necessity—a meal for their children.
While the Cuban regime remains focused on propaganda campaigns, citizens like Limay Blanco, with limited resources and donor support, become the sole support for the most vulnerable. His ministry, Cristo Cambia Vidas, has already provided 46 homes to families in dire conditions.
Although his efforts are commendable, they shouldn't be the remedy for a nation's poverty, where humanitarian aid replaces the State. A State that, instead of offering protection, has abandoned the most vulnerable to their fate. Limay has frequently shared the exhaustion he feels from being unable to meet all the cries for help he receives daily, a reflection of the widespread crisis suffocating the country.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuba
What assistance did Limay Blanco provide to the family?
Limay Blanco provided the family with essential household items and food, including a box of chicken, a sack of rice, spaghetti, oil, cleaning supplies, a pressure cooker, a blender, a fan, and a washing machine.
How does this case reflect the wider issues in Cuba?
This case illustrates the systemic poverty and desperation faced by many Cuban families due to inadequate wages, substandard living conditions, and a lack of effective public policies.
What is Limay Blanco's ministry, and what has it accomplished?
Limay Blanco's ministry, Cristo Cambia Vidas, has provided 46 homes to families living in extreme poverty, aiming to offer support and relief to the needy.