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
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.
7 million
internally displaced persons
internally displaced persons
#1 in the world
of cocaine production
of cocaine production
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.”
I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.”
Charles Thomas (C.T.) Studd English missionary to China, India, and Africa
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.
65000+ meals served each year and growing
200+ volunteers serve annually from 50+ organizations.
100+ individuals and families housed daily
Our programs
Children’s Feeding
and Education
and Education
Helping children create happy experiences through weekly feeding and educational programs.
Restoration and
Transition
Transition
Offering the addicted, displaced and oppressed opportunity to find new life and hope for the future.
Income Generation
and Sustainabibity
and Sustainabibity
Helping the disadvantaged gain the skills necessary to succeed in life.
Internship and
Exchange Program
Exchange Program
Exposing individuals to the needs of the less fortunate both at home and abroad.
Our Stories
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.
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.
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.
Ways to get involved
Come volunteer with us! Join individuals and groups from around the world signing-up to make a difference.
Give financially and make a direct difference in the lives of vulnerable men, women, children and families.
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