As prolonged blackouts have continued across Cuba, one resident in the city of Cárdenas has offered free charging from her home — a simple act that could make a meaningful difference for families enduring long hours without electricity.
Here's what to know
Yesenia Peña Godoy made the offer in the Facebook group Compra y Venta Cárdenas, telling people they could come to her home in the Brisas del Mar neighborhood to recharge essential devices at no cost, according to CiberCuba.
"Good morning," she posted, "due to the current situation in Cárdenas, anyone who needs to charge essential items such as bulbs, fans, EcoFlows, lamps, etc., can come to my house free of charge."
She even provided detailed directions so that neighbors could find her home, which had energy access.
CiberCuba reported that the message appeared as residents of the province of Matanzas were going through an especially difficult stretch, with many communities spending dozens of hours at a time without electricity.
Facebook users responded with appreciation, and several framed the offer as a show of neighborly support during a hard moment.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
"Thank you very much," one commenter wrote. "May God repay you."
Others described the gesture as an example of neighborly support during a difficult time.
More background
Extensive power outages have become increasingly common in recent years amid ongoing economic strife.
The energy crisis was exacerbated earlier this year after U.S. government actions that The New York Times said in February were "functioning as" an oil blockade.
Last month, CBS News reported another power grid collapse, describing "a failure … in transmission lines in the western part of the country, causing the system to collapse in that area — as far as Matanzas province."
What's being done?
After publishing the post, Peña Godoy stayed active in the comments, replying to messages with gratitude and warm wishes.
Users continued praising the post as an example of local solidarity during blackouts.
"A lovely gesture," one wrote. "There should be more people like you."
In fact, Peña Godoy's offer did appear to inspire another neighbor to open her own apartment to people who needed to charge their devices, sharing directions to her home as well.
It's worth noting that the act of goodwill could pose safety risks for those sharing detailed directions to their private residences. But it also serves as a reminder of the types of community resilience efforts that can sustain people and that can also inspire more public programs to expand access to critical resources.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
