In a heartwarming initiative, the Catholic community of Sant’Egidio in Santiago de Cuba took to the streets to distribute warm clothing and hot chocolate to the homeless, who endured the coldest night of the year in this eastern city.
This act of kindness aimed to support those seeking refuge in bus stations, doorways, or sidewalks, as unusually low temperatures swept across the island, making for a starkly chilly day.
"The unexpected chill of tonight made us wonder how our friends on the streets would cope... so we decided to go out and give them coats and hot chocolate, mainly to remind them they are not forgotten during tough times," shared the community on their Facebook page.
Among those who received help was Roberto, who expressed his gratitude through tears: “God never abandons because we were cold and you came.”
The community also extended their thanks to the solidarity of the Santiago de Cuba Mountain Club Aid Group. Members, along with supporters and residents, donated winter clothing and blankets to a local elderly home, broadening the reach of their assistance to numerous vulnerable individuals.
"They are now warm and happy, thanks to the contributions of winter wear... there was no hesitation in helping," stated the Santiago de Cuba Mountain Club.
Meanwhile, Santiago activist Yassero Sosa Tamayo voiced a poignant message on social media: “This isn’t a pretty post. It’s an urgent cry. It’s people trying not to freeze tonight... There are no poses: just bodies defending the dawn... This is not heroism; it’s the bare minimum of what should be normal. The cold is climate. Indifference is a choice.”
The Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) confirmed that the early hours were "noticeably cold," with temperatures ranging between 11 and 14 °C across most of the country, and a historic low of 1.4 °C recorded in Indio Hatuey (Matanzas), the lowest in February since 1996.
These conditions, brought on by an Arctic air mass, resulted in one of the coldest nights remembered by Cubans in decades.
Addressing Cold Weather Challenges in Cuba
What prompted the Catholic community to help the homeless in Santiago de Cuba?
The unusually cold temperatures in Santiago de Cuba prompted the Catholic community to provide warm clothing and hot chocolate to the homeless, ensuring they were not forgotten during this harsh weather.
How did the Santiago de Cuba Mountain Club contribute to the initiative?
The Santiago de Cuba Mountain Club Aid Group, along with supporters, donated winter clothing and blankets, which were distributed to the elderly home, extending help to many in need.
What were the recorded temperatures during the cold night in Cuba?
Temperatures across most of Cuba ranged from 11 to 14 °C, with a historic low of 1.4 °C in Indio Hatuey, Matanzas, marking one of the coldest February nights since 1996.