The Cuban influencer Melissa, known on Instagram as "Meli creating with heart," successfully raised enough funds to provide a home to three elderly individuals in Holguín, thanks to the generosity of Cubans both on the island and abroad.
The recipients of this benevolent act are Delia and two elderly gentlemen who previously lived in dire conditions. Melissa's donation campaign turned their dream of having a decent home into a reality.
"We did it; we gifted the first house to a vulnerable family in need in Cuba, for Delia and the two grandfathers... We heard them, we responded to their cries for help," Melissa announced upon delivering the home.
The house was chosen by the beneficiaries themselves, within the budget constraints.
"It still needs some paint and furniture, but it doesn't leak, it's made of bricks, simple and secure, and most importantly, it was given with love and faith," the influencer described.
Melissa labeled the home as "House 1," hinting at her plans to continue supporting more families in vulnerable situations.
This initiative operates independently of the Cuban government, relying solely on donations from individuals who responded to Melissa's call on social media.
"None of this would be possible without your support, trust, love, and desire to help. Together we can, never think your help is too little," Melissa expressed gratitude to her followers.
This act of kindness takes place amidst a severe housing crisis and neglect of the elderly in Cuba, issues the regime has failed—or refused—to address.
The housing deficit on the island is projected to exceed 900,000 units by 2026, while the government only achieved 22% of its construction goals in 2025, completing just 2,382 out of the planned 10,795 homes due to shortages of cement, steel, and wood.
The response from thousands to Melissa's post encapsulates a shared sentiment: "Let's make famous those who use social media to help others; see how it can be done," wrote one user in a widely shared comment.
Another follower of Melissa summarized the emotion: "Just seeing them made me want to cry. What a beautiful effort, never stop helping the most needy, your community always supports you."
Understanding the Housing Crisis in Cuba
Why is there a housing crisis in Cuba?
The housing crisis in Cuba is primarily due to a significant deficit in available homes, exacerbated by insufficient construction and a lack of resources such as cement, steel, and wood.
How is Melissa funding her housing initiative?
Melissa's housing initiative is funded entirely through donations from individuals who respond to her appeals on social media, with no involvement from the Cuban government.
What are the conditions of the homes provided through Melissa's initiative?
The homes provided are chosen by the recipients within the available budget. They are simple, secure, made of bricks, and given with love, though some may still require aesthetic improvements like paint and furniture.