Flipping through a well-loved photo album, Jose smiles as he points to the faces of his aunties, grandchildren, seven brothers, and three sisters – including his twin. His finger hovers over a picture of one of his younger brothers, “He’s very skinny. It’s hard to eat and live in Cuba.”
Jose poses for a photo in his apartment.
Born and raised in Havana, Jose’s life is a tapestry woven with joy, laughter, and adversity. In 2024, the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights estimated that nearly nine out of ten Cuban families live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 a day. Most of Jose’s family still lives in Cuba, and communication is challenging. However, he holds tightly to his photos and memories, a reminder of the bonds that distance cannot break.
Jose doesn’t recall the year, but he remembers it was sometime in May when he and his brother left Cuba behind, seeking a better life. Landing first in Arkansas, the transition wasn’t easy. Amid the challenges of a new country, he found himself falling into the trap of alcohol addiction. “Because of the addiction, I lost myself without even realizing it,” he shares. Yet, even in his dark moments, Jose found a deep resilience. He poetically shares, “my poverty is my richness,” a simple truth that reminds him to find value in what he has and not in what he lacks.
Today, Jose feels grounded as he continues to rebuild his life with the support of his Homebridge Home Care Professional (HCP), Jonathan, whom he affectionately calls his friend. When Jose began facing serious health issues, Jonathan was right there by his side, accompanying him to every doctor’s appointment and ensuring he was understood and cared for.
“The doctors didn’t understand me,” Jose explains. “They couldn’t understand my accent and would tell me to be quiet. But my friend [Jonathan] was there. He helped me, and now I’m doing much better.”
Jose lives in Permanent Supportive Housing for formerly homeless adults, and his studio unit doesn’t have a kitchen. He's signed up for Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers meals to homebound individuals, primarily seniors. But, to prevent his food from spoiling, Jose received a mini fridge through Homebridge’s Client Care Fund - a small comfort that’s made a big difference in his daily life.
“Things are much better,” he says with a smile. “You have to be positive. You have to think positive.”
Jose’s story is one of quiet strength and a powerful reminder that even in hardship, hope can take root. Through resilience, support, and the bonds of friendship, he illustrated that even in the darkest times, we can begin to thrive again - our struggles do not define us; rather, how we rise is what truly shapes our lives.
