Over two weeks have passed since the internal collapse of a building at the intersection of Campanario and Neptuno in Central Havana, yet multiple families remain without official relocation, taking refuge on the ground floor of the same structure, according to a report from Martí Noticias.
Firefighters have barred residents from returning to their apartments due to the imminent risk of a complete collapse.
"About a month ago, two floors caved in, and many were evacuated, but some stayed. Then, around 15 days ago, another part inside collapsed. The remaining ceilings are very fragile," a local resident told the news outlet.
Without a housing solution in sight, those affected first spent several days on the street before being moved to the ground floor of the building when the rains began.
"There are still many there. Initially, they were on the street, but now they've been placed underneath the building to shelter from the rain. A truck also came to collect some furniture to store it safely so it wouldn't be ruined," the same source added.
Authorities proposed a temporary alternative in an old store on Neptuno Street, but the displaced residents declined due to its poor condition.
"They were offered a store here in Neptuno, with two or three floors, but they didn't find it suitable. I don't know why, maybe it's in very bad shape," the neighbor noted.
The affected group includes elderly individuals, children, and entire families. The seniors have been moved to nursing homes, and the children to relatives' homes, while most residents continue to wait for a permanent relocation.
The Campanario and Neptuno case is not the only one lacking institutional response in the capital. On Ánimas Street 714, another partially collapsed building has been in the same predicament for over a month.
Antonio Font, who owns an apartment in that building, reported reaching out to the municipal government, the Housing Directorate, and the neighborhood delegate but received no concrete measures.
"It's been about two months now, and the authorities have provided no response whatsoever. The municipal government and the housing department are aware, as is the delegate, but nobody takes action," Font stated.
Cubans displaced by building collapses face two primary options: seek refuge with relatives or be sent to state shelters, often repurposed public offices known for overcrowding, electrical issues, and unsanitary conditions.
This predicament is part of a worsening structural housing crisis. Official figures indicate that by 2026, Cuba's national housing deficit will exceed 929,000 units, with around 1,000 buildings collapsing annually in Havana alone.
The state's response has historically fallen short. In 2025, the regime only completed 2,382 homes out of an official plan for 10,795, achieving just 22% of the target.
As the deficit grows and buildings continue to collapse, families like those at Campanario and Neptuno remain exposed to the elements, waiting for the government to take action.
Understanding the Housing Crisis in Cuba
What caused the collapse at Campanario and Neptuno?
The collapse was due to structural failures within the building, leading to the fall of internal floors and making the remaining structure unsafe.
What options do displaced families have in Cuba?
Displaced families can either find refuge with relatives or be accommodated in state shelters, which often suffer from overcrowding and poor conditions.
How has the Cuban government addressed the housing crisis?
The government's efforts have been insufficient, completing only a fraction of its housing plans, which has left many citizens without adequate shelter.