Migrant family’s connection to shelter

OMAHA — After fleeing their homeland and traversing six countries by plane, bus, train and on foot, the Cuban family of five still hadn’t found the pay and political freedom they sought.

Nearly a year later, with temporary U.S. permission and court dates ahead, the family crossed the U.S.-Mexican border and headed to Omaha, a place a fellow migrant said had jobs and low rent.

By then the Cubans had at various times been robbed, stranded, hungry and homeless, and they were about $10,000 in debt to friends and relatives.

So when a community activist in March introduced them to the Omaha Welcomes the Stranger organization, the father of the group said he could not believe the turn of circumstances. He was told his family could stay at the organization’s shelter as long as needed.

“At that moment a grand weight lifted off of my shoulders,” said Michael, who was accompanied by his wife, daughter, son and brother-in-law. “We saw the light at the end of the tunnel.”