Colombia Homeless Crisis: Fundacion Ciudad Refugio’s Mission
A homeless crisis in the nation of Colombia is compounded by drug addiction, poverty and a steady flow of migrants. The nation is the top destination for Venezuelan migrants fleeing from economic collapse and political instability. Colombia is home to about three million Venezuelan migrants, a number that could triple by the end of this year.
For more than 30 years, Douglas Calvano with Fundacion Ciudad Refugio has served Medellin’s homeless. An open-air drug market is a stark symbol of the crisis and the challenges that residents face. “This is where the government is pushing all the homeless,” he said. “This is a culture within a culture.”
Each week, staff and volunteers drive into the darkest corners of the city to serve as a light for those living on the street. Harry Dietrich never imagined living in Colombia, helping lead a ministry like this. Originally from New Jersey, He moved to Bogotá with his family almost 20 years ago. Their mission was find where God is working and join him. today, Dietrich oversees Ciudad Refugio’ operations , from the shelter to events reaching into Medellín’s most dangerous neighborhoods.
READ: Boy who turned down gang, found shelter in Colombia
“Many of the homeless are just looking for a roof, looking for a bed, looking for a meal,” he said. “But if they have any type of a heart for the Lord or restoration fully, we’ll take them in and get them going in the program as soon as possible.”
Restoring people
The program is designed to restore the whole person physically, spiritually and emotionally. A storefront bakery integrates the ministry with the city while also teaching job skills to those in rehab. They achieve a 65 percent success rate, significantly higher than most programs. At his lowest point as a former addict and alcoholic, Yeyson Marin found transformation here six years ago.
“When I come here, I was sure i would die, and I was planning maybe three or four months more alive, because i was really, really sick,” he said. “But when I came here, everything started to change inside of me. The real restoration is not just to stop using drugs, it’s to start to enjoy life, to love people, to be a good example for the people around you, show the gospel, the love Jesus showed you, show the same love to the people.”
Ciudad Refugio is a testament to the power of a life transformed by faith, even in the darkest of places. And as the need grows, so does its mission — pointing others to the cross and the importance of serving as a refuge.
–Alan Goforth
