Ciudad Refugio is home.

A refuge for those in need

Through the provision of emergency aid, shelter and holistic programming, our diverse programs reflect our belief that “home” is more than shelter. Through feeding, housing, restoration, education and microenterprise initiatives, we help provide short and long term assistance for those interested in restoring their lives and creating lasting change for their futures.

Displacement and
addiction in Colombia

Colombia has the largest population in the world of internally displaced persons. The country’s 50+ year civil war and ongoing clashes between military, leftist guerrilla groups and right-wing paramilitary groups leave hundreds of thousands annually fleeing their homes and migrating to urban centers in search of shelter and economic opportunity. Few find work, those with the courage to register themselves receive government support, and others fall victim to gang and drug activity on the city streets.

See UNHCR
See IDMC

01-01

7 million
internally displaced persons

01-03
01-02

#1 in the world
of cocaine production

01-05
01-04

Broken homes, addiction, violence, hunger, limited access to education

“Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell;
I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.”

Charles Thomas (C.T.) Studd English missionary to China, India, and Africa

01-06

This is our passion

Ciudad Refugio is a team of passionate people committed to loving God and serving the needs of others, offering holistic assistance and opportunity to Colombia’s most vulnerable populations.

01-07

65000+ meals served each year and growing

01-08

200+ volunteers serve annually from 50+ organizations.

01-09

100+ individuals and families housed daily

Our programs

Children’s Feeding
and Education

Helping children create happy experiences through weekly feeding and educational programs.

Restoration and
Transition

Offering the addicted, displaced and oppressed opportunity to find new life and hope for the future.

Income Generation
and Sustainability

Helping the disadvantaged gain the skills necessary to succeed in life.

Internship and
Exchange Program

Exposing individuals to the needs of the less fortunate both at home and abroad.

Children’s Feeding
and Education

Helping children create happy experiences through weekly feeding and educational programs.

Restoration and
Transition

Offering the addicted, displaced and oppressed opportunity to find new life and hope for the future.

Income Generation
and Sustainabibity

Helping the disadvantaged gain the skills necessary to succeed in life.

Internship and
Exchange Program

Exposing individuals to the needs of the less fortunate both at home and abroad.

Our Stories

Mateo

Youth Development Program

I didn’t want to be in the house alone on Saturdays so I started coming to Ciudad Refugio’s Saturday program in Manantiales. After some time I was allowed to be a part of the group who came to Ciudad Refugio on weekends to sleep.

Read more

06-01

Lydia

Volunteer Exchange Program

Serving in Ciudad Refugio as a volunteer has been one of the most beautiful things of my life. I am amazed by all the things I get to see and experience during my time here in Colombia. Every funny, surprising, astonishing, touching and heart breaking moment adds up to a year full of opportunities to serve, learn and grow. 

Read more

06-02

John

Program Graduate, Organization Worker

I grew up in a home the youngest of three brothers.  I had a Christian mother and an alcoholic father who was not present for much of my childhood.  I started to drink alcohol when I was 12 years old, my mother did not like it but my father permitted it.  I drank heavily and at the age of 18 I tried cocaine for the first time at gunpoint by my boss. 

Read more

06-03

Michelle

Local Missionary

My professor had shared with me about the work of Ciudad Refugio but I believe it was God through him guiding me towards this place.  I was working in a restaurant in Bello and I always found myself on breaks and after work sitting with homeless people or drug addicts sharing with them.

Read more

06-04

Ways to get involved

07-01

Come volunteer with us! Join individuals and groups from around the world signing-up to make a difference.

07-02

Give financially and make a direct difference in the lives of vulnerable men, women, children and families.

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Ciudad Refugio

Calle 65F No. 47-45
Medellín, Colombia
Link to map

Open to the Public:
Monday to Friday 08:00–17:00
Saturday 08:00–13:00

info@ciudadrefugio.org
+57 (4) 580 5858

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