In a remarkable turnaround, aid reached Rafael, a 76-year-old Cuban man living in dire poverty, within just one day after his plight moved thousands on social media. The assistance was organized by content creator Melissa (@melissahabla_), who highlighted Rafael's story and rallied a community to support him and his wife.
Their situation came to light when Melissa shared a video of Rafael describing their harsh living conditions with a heartbreaking statement: "We are hungrier than a tied-up dog." For nearly three decades, the couple has lived in a home with a roof partially destroyed by a cyclone, lacking resources for food and basic necessities. Rafael's wife is bedridden, further complicating their struggles.
In an Instagram reel showcasing the initial delivery, Melissa detailed the donations amassed in just hours through the generosity of her followers: a carton of eggs, two liters of oil, a blender, pads for urinary incontinence, clothing items, cookies, sugar, a rechargeable lamp, milk, oats, personal care products, meat, six malangas, and 2,600 Cuban pesos in cash.
"No one has done anything for us," Rafael is heard saying at the beginning of the video.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Rafael expressed gratitude to those who answered the call for help: "You see what they're doing for us, and we will repay it with our lives."
Melissa emphasized that this was just the beginning: "I say first because there will be many more. A decent home isn't achieved overnight." The ultimate goal is to secure a suitable and safe home for the couple, as she communicated in person: "A dignified and safe place for you two, where you can spend your years in peace, comfort, and tranquility."
"This elderly couple has a huge surprise and a beautiful ending waiting for them," Melissa promised at the video's conclusion.
This isn't Melissa's first successful endeavor to better the lives of elderly Cubans through collective solidarity. In April 2026, she provided a home for three vulnerable elderly individuals in Holguín, entirely funded by private donations. Shortly after, another homeless elderly couple received a house along with clothing, food, and appliances. In August, she coordinated the delivery of a cement house for a mother and her three children who had been living in a cardboard structure.
Rafael and his wife's situation highlights a crisis impacting millions on the island. Cuba, the most aged nation in Latin America, has over 2.5 million people over 60 — 26.7% of the population — with meager pensions of 4,000 pesos per month (equivalent to just five to nine dollars at the informal exchange rate). According to independent surveys, 99% of retirees cannot afford food, housing, and medication.
Addressing the Poverty Crisis Among Elderly Cubans
What initiated the aid for Rafael and his wife?
The aid was initiated after content creator Melissa shared a video detailing Rafael's dire living conditions, which quickly gained attention on social media and mobilized community support.
How has Melissa contributed to helping elderly Cubans?
Melissa has successfully organized collective efforts to provide homes and necessities for elderly Cubans in need, funded entirely through private donations.