Michelle Webb says when she travels, she likes to get out into the community to see how people actually live. Over several trips to Cuba, she's seen a lot more than a traveller would witness at a resort.
Cubans have dealt with shortages due to the U.S. policies for decades, but since the American military blocked oil from Venezuela to Cuba, the situation has deteriorated even further.
"Since January, it's been really bad," Webb said. "Without the power, there's no lights, no hydro for food, no fridge. They're eating just rice and beans with some egg thrown in for protein when they can, when they can find coal."
Many Cubans lose power for even days at a time, and Webb is helping them navigate the latest shortages by donating supplies and solar panels. She believes she's helped hundreds of people over several years, as she's grown closer to those living in Cuba.
Since late last year, she's spent extended time on the ground with Cuban families, experiencing the same conditions and witnessing nationwide power outages firsthand.
"One solar panel, one donation, for one family," Webb said. "That gives them a fan, a hot plate to cook on, a fridge to keep food. That gives them the running water because without hydro, without power, there's no pumps to run their water."
Her most recent trip was from July 8 to July 17 this year.
Her group, Coral Connection Cuba, is now turning to the public for help. Webb said any donation will help, and money can be e-transferred to Coral Connections Cuba through your bank. The website is coralconnectionscuba.com.
"It's not just me going down there. It's everybody who helps," added Webb. "As of right now, we're looking for people who have the compassion, who want to help, who want to donate and give peace of mind to that one family in Cuba."
