Tampa Religious Groups Offer Lifeline to Cuba: Discover What's Included in Their Aid

In response to a relentless humanitarian crisis in Cuba characterized by power outages that last up to 25 hours a day, severe food shortages, and a collapse in access to medications, two non-profit religious organizations from the Tampa Bay area have ramped up their assistance efforts.

According to Univision, on July 28, The Hands and Feet of Christ Jesus successfully dispatched solar panels to a church in Cuba. The aim is to preserve food and medicine by bypassing the island's failing electrical grid.

Steven Wissinger, the founder and president of the organization, explained to Tampa Bay 28 that the solar panels will provide enough energy to keep a refrigerator running continuously. This eliminates the daily struggle for Cuban families to keep perishable items cool.

Founded in 2020, the organization has scheduled a mission trip for August 22 and has raised roughly $2,500 for the cause.

"These $2,500 can feed between 1,200 and 1,300 children, and that makes a significant impact," Wissinger stated. He plans to purchase the food directly in Cuba to maximize the use of funds.

Facing a Dire Humanitarian Crisis

In social media updates, the organization outlined the severity of the crisis: "Cuba is experiencing a humanitarian emergency. 89% of Cubans live in extreme poverty, nearly every household faces food insecurity, and there are fewer than 10,000 care beds for over two million seniors. Malnutrition has surged by 74% in recent years."

The organization also highlighted the tangible cost of solidarity: "Just $2 provides a meal for a Cuban child. $10 can feed five. Every dollar beyond that assists us in assembling hygiene kits, medications, and other necessary supplies."

Decades of Humanitarian Work

CubaMinistry.org, the second organization involved, has nearly 30 years of humanitarian work in Cuba through a partnership with numerous churches of the Methodist Church of Cuba (IMECU).

Sam Martínez, the district coordinator for Guantánamo and the organization's board president, warned that the current situation is the most challenging he has witnessed: "By 2026, conditions have become significantly tougher, particularly regarding access to medicine. With financial support, we aim to provide food to children."

Over the last five years, CubaMinistry.org has shipped several tons of medications for free distribution through IMECU's medical commissions.

"Thousands owe their survival to the medicines we've been able to send," Martínez mentioned.

Addressing Water and Health Issues

The organization is also committed to improving potable water systems, an issue Martínez did not mince words about: "Cuba's water is extremely contaminated, leading to widespread illness."

Lynn Bordelon, district coordinator for CubaMinistry.org, reflected on witnessing the crisis unfold: "It's heartbreaking to see how things have deteriorated over the years."

Churches as Direct Channels for Aid

Both organizations have chosen to direct their aid solely through religious congregations in Cuba, bypassing any government intermediaries.

Martínez emphasized the success of this approach: "It stands as one of the most successful international collaborations between Florida churches and churches worldwide."

Churches serve as one of the few community meeting spaces not under direct State control in Cuba, making them the most reliable channel for aid to reach those in need.

The ability to send solar panels has been eased since Cuba exempted customs duties on panels, batteries, and inverters with Resolution 41/2026, passed in February this year.

CubaMinistry.org is already planning its next mission trip for January 2027, while The Hands and Feet of Christ Jesus will head to the island on August 22 with the goal of feeding over 1,200 Cuban children.