Jennifer Raymer, who heads the Canadian humanitarian group Together for Cuba, has shared some of the most harrowing scenes she has encountered during her current mission on the island. She describes children selling food to survive, homes on the brink of collapse, families without electricity, and elderly individuals living in isolation.
"This might be the hardest post I make from this trip. There are images I simply can't share. People are in distress. Some are nearing the end of their lives," Raymer expressed in a heartfelt Facebook post.
The activist, who has been engaged in humanitarian efforts in Cuba for over a decade, spending about four months a year there, traveled with Laura, a local social worker, to visit families in particularly vulnerable situations. During their mission, they distributed food and medicine to more than 50 families.
Heartbreaking Conditions in Cuba
Raymer recounted witnessing children selling avocados from a stroller to earn money for their next meal. She also saw three children living in a house with walls on the verge of collapse and visited families that had been without electricity for months, forced to cook with wood, and elderly individuals living alone.
One case that deeply affected her involved a family from Eastern Cuba. "We trekked through mud and tall grass to reach them. Their living conditions were devastating, and there was a 14-year-old boy helping care for his baby siblings," she narrated.
Behind Every Door, a Story
Raymer emphasized the overwhelming need she witnessed behind every door: "The stories are endless. The need is overwhelming. And behind each door is a person with a name, a family, and a story," she wrote.
She shared another experience from a visit to the "Juan Vitalio Acuña" nursing home in San José, where around 50 elderly residents live, many without family visits. Together for Cuba provided them with food and charcoal for cooking. Raymer noted that the home's cook suffers from asthma and had been using wood to prepare meals due to a lack of fuel, despite the smoke worsening his condition.
The center's most urgent needs include basic supplies such as rice, beans, meat, vegetables, and oil. "Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer isn't something we bring in a bag, but simply our time. A hug. An ear to listen," she reflected.
Raymer's observations align with other recent indicators of the declining living conditions in Cuba. A survey released this year revealed that one in three Cuban households reported at least one member went to bed hungry in the previous 30 days.
Together for Cuba claims to send approximately 600 bags annually, containing around 14,000 kilograms of medicines and medical supplies to those in need on the island.
After witnessing the dire situations during her visit, Raymer is determined to continue her mission. "I love these people deeply, and I refuse to look away. So, we will keep showing up. With food. With medicine. With hope," she concluded.
Understanding the Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba
What are some of the urgent needs in Cuba?
Basic supplies such as rice, beans, meat, vegetables, and oil are among the most pressing needs in Cuba. Many families also require access to electricity and proper housing.
How does Together for Cuba help the people on the island?
Together for Cuba provides essential food, medicine, and medical supplies to families and individuals in need. They also offer support through visits, listening, and emotional encouragement.
Why can't some photos from Cuba be shared?
Some images depict extremely distressing and private situations that are unsuitable for public sharing, respecting the dignity and privacy of those affected.