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.
