Food & Health Security
We believe in the power of collective action. In Cuba, where communities often face significant challenges in accessing essential resources, One Shared Future / Un Futuro Compartido works alongside local community groups to strengthen food and health security through practical, grassroots collaboration.
Our mission is grounded in the belief that a more equitable and sustainable future is possible when people come together to share what they have with those who need it most. By supporting trusted Cuban community initiatives, we help connect food, medicines, and other essential resources with local networks.
Explore the initiatives and projects we support, visit our donations page to learn how you can contribute, and reach out—we would be glad to have you involved.
Medicine is Not Sold
Laura, a dedicated dentist in Havana, has turned her home into a vital community hub, redistributing donated medicines twice a week from the steps of her apartment and arranging free deliveries for those who cannot travel. Her work is part of Medicine Is Not Sold, an initiative founded by Dr. Yashar Keramati while he was a medical student in Havana.
The project began with a simple idea: create a decentralized, community-driven network to share the limited medicines available. Using WhatsApp, the initiative quickly expanded, allowing people to post both urgent medical needs and surplus supplies. Today, the network consists of four active groups, each with more than 1,000 members, connecting patients, families, and volunteers across Havana and surrounding communities. Through this grassroots system, essential medicines reach those who need them most, demonstrating the power of collective action in the face of scarcity.
La Casita del Husillo
La Casita del Husillo is a community-led organization serving El Husillo, a neighbourhood in Havana that faces significant social and economic challenges. It was co-founded by Thais, a lifelong resident whose family has lived in the community for more than 100 years, reflecting deep local roots and long-standing ties to the neighbourhood. The organization creates safe, inclusive spaces where children, youth, and women can learn and thrive. Its programs promote education, violence prevention, sexual health, and community wellbeing through counselling, cultural activities, sports, and mentorship.
La Casita also strengthens the broader community by operating a soup kitchen, supporting local schools and health services, providing clothing and essential supplies, creating employment opportunities for single mothers, promoting animal welfare and environmental stewardship, and celebrating Afro-Cuban culture through arts and dance.
Humanitarian Services at the Convent of Belén
The Convent of Belén is dedicated to supporting older adults, children, and individuals living with physical and intellectual disabilities through a wide range of community-based services. The centre engages more than 500 older adults in recreational and social activities that promote health and connection while also providing free daily meals, ophthalmology services, donated medicines and prescription eyeglasses when available, a laundry program, and a primary school serving 25 children from the surrounding neighbourhood. A community garden supplies fresh produce for the meal program and serves as a shared space where children and older adults come together.
Casa de Abuelos Especial "Santiago Ramón y Cajal"
Led by an exceptional team of women—including its director, physician, dentist, and ophthalmologist—this community centre is redefining care for older adults in Havana.
The centre brings together essential services under one roof, providing free daily meals, comprehensive healthcare, physiotherapy, and social support to some of the city's most vulnerable seniors, many of whom survive on pensions of as little as six U.S. dollars per month.
Co-founders Thais and Yanisley (front left) with program participants
Watch a short reel about the widespread impact of the Medicine is Not Sold project
Take a 360 tour of the Casa de Abuelos Especial "Santiago Ramón y Cajal" in La Habana Vieja
Laura distributing medicine from the steps of her apartment in Vedado
The primary school children perform for the older adults at the Convent
A few of the talented team of health-care providers at the Centre
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