The Need

Most Colombian refugees arrive in Quito with literally nothing but the clothes on their backs. The immediacy of the threat makes careful packing and planning impossible, meaning that all money, documents, and other essentials get left behind for good. Since their initial resettlement is usually unofficial, upon arrival there is no welcoming committee to distribute much-needed supplies, leaving it up to the refugee to patch together a life for himself and his family. The immediate material need is for stoves, gas tanks, clothing for people of all ages, beds, mattresses, and personal hygiene items.

Beyond the initial needs, many refugees seek psychological counseling to get through the trauma of transition and recover from  their experiences in Colombia. Even years after their arrival in Quito, parents will come in saying their child is afraid to be left alone with other children, this fear often residual from their experiences in Colombia.

Some refugees come to Quito alone, others with a few family members, but all struggle with the isolation of being far from family and friends, and without the support those people provide. The Colombian Refugee Project works to address the material, psychological, spiritual, and nutritional needs of refugees, and seeks to provide a safe space in which support networks can be formed and resources shared. A full list of our programs can be found under “Our Work.”