A Cuban mother and her three children, who previously lived in a makeshift cardboard shelter without electricity or a mailing address in a settlement behind Loma de la Cruz in Holguín, have moved into a new cement home. This was made possible through a donation campaign led by content creator Melissa, known on Instagram as @melissahabla_.
The family's dire situation was highlighted last July when Melissa shared a video showcasing their extreme poverty. The children, aged thirteen, nine, and seven, described their daily struggles with statements like "there's never any power" and "sometimes nothing" when asked about their meals. The eldest child walked over two kilometers daily to scavenge for pumpkins to feed his siblings. The mother received no government assistance and had no pension.
"We finally did it," wrote Melissa as she shared a video of the family receiving their new home. "A family that can now live with dignity. It's all thanks to you," she expressed her gratitude to her followers.
Unforgettable Journey to a New Home
The video captures the moment Melissa escorts the family to their new residence. During the ride, the children excitedly asked, "Is it this one? Which one is it? Where is it located?"
Upon arrival, the family was speechless. One of the children, Abdiel, summed up the significance of the moment: "I've never had a house made of cement and wow..."
"It's not a fancy house, but as Abdiel said, they've never had a cement house before," Melissa narrated in the video.
A New Chapter Begins
The home is furnished with windows, a fan, and a kitchen equipped with plates and cups. Each child received a personalized backpack containing toys, sweets, and a phone. The mother, visibly touched, expressed her gratitude to those who made the transformation possible: "We are very grateful for everything. God bless you and may you continue to bless others."
The Instagram post sparked a wave of emotional responses and gratitude, with users praising both the outcome of the initiative and the children's joy. Comments included "The amazing things that can happen when people come together," "Those children's eyes are priceless," and "The house is beautiful. God bless you all."
Community Support and Future Endeavors
Many praised Melissa's efforts to mobilize help for needy Cuban families. "Your work on social media is outstanding, and your heart is immense," wrote one person, while another thanked her "for being a voice and hope for these people." Calls were made for similar initiatives to be replicated, highlighting the impact of community solidarity.
This is not the first time Melissa has facilitated life-changing donations. In April 2026, she handed over a home to three vulnerable elderly individuals in Holguín, funded entirely by private donations. Weeks later, another house was provided to a destitute elderly couple in the same province, and in May, she raised 234,000 Cuban pesos for a mother and daughter living in similar conditions.
Impact of Donations on Cuban Families
What was the living condition of the family before receiving the new home?
The family lived in a cardboard structure without electricity or a mailing address, facing extreme poverty.
Who organized the donation campaign for the new home?
The campaign was coordinated by content creator Melissa, known on Instagram as @melissahabla_.
How have people reacted to the family's story on social media?
The story has received numerous emotional and grateful responses, with many praising the initiative and the joy of the children.