It has been three years since Douarleyka Velásquez left her career in human resources to work as a cleaning supervisor at a migrant shelter in Palmira, Colombia. The shelter, Pope Francis Migrant Shelter, was established in 2020 to assist the increasing number of Venezuelan migrants seeking refuge in Colombia. According to the UNHCR, over 7.7 million Venezuelans have left their country since 2014, with Colombia hosting the largest population of Venezuelan migrants, estimated at more than 2.8 million as of mid-2024.
The shelter provides temporary accommodation, food, clothing, and spiritual support to migrants passing through Palmira, many of whom are families, women traveling alone, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, the shelter offers information on human trafficking and assistance to victims of abuse, including unaccompanied children. Despite the challenges faced by migrants, the shelter aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for those in need.
Another significant issue highlighted in the article is the plight of Venezuelan sex workers in Colombia. The Rev. René Rey has been supporting Colombian sex workers and LGBTQ+ individuals with HIV for years, and his work has expanded to include Venezuelan migrants. Many Venezuelan sex workers in Colombia, particularly in the Santa Fe neighborhood of Bogotá, face challenges such as abuse and trafficking. Rey's organization, in collaboration with the Eudes Foundation, offers support, information on HIV, and a safe space for transgender sex workers to practice their faith.
The article sheds light on the struggles and resilience of Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian aid and community support in addressing their needs. Through the efforts of organizations like Pope Francis Migrant Shelter and The Refuge, migrants are provided with essential services and a sense of belonging during their difficult journeys.
