The most desperate Venezuelan refugees cross the border with absolutely nothing, not even $30 that would buy them an 18-hour bus ride to the capital, Bogota. Left with no other option, they walk. The locals call these people “los caminantes,” or “the walkers.”
A network of shelters has emerged along the walker’s route, run by generous individuals who have opened their own homes, some by church groups, others by independent foundations. These shelters are all one-night only, as each day brings a new flood of refugees. Besides providing a safe and dry place to sleep, most shelters offer food, showers, and other essentials such as diapers, hygiene items, and medicines.
All of the shelters between the border and the capital are providing essential services for the Venezuelan walkers. However, On the Ground International has identified these six shelters in particular that are most in need of additional funding to continue operating, and have partnered with these shelters to help keep their doors open.
Shelter 3: “FundAR-1”
Location: Two-day walk from Venezuela/Colombia border
Opened: November 2017
Operated by: Private foundation, Venezuelan volunteers
Daily Capacity: Food – 300+, Shelter – 50
Shelter 4:“Hogar de Paso Douglas”
Location: Pamplona, three-day walk from Venezuela/Colombia border
Opened: June 2018
Operated by: Douglas Cabeza, private home, Venezuelan volunteers
Daily Capacity: Shelter only – 200
Project Highlight: Read more about Douglas’s Shelter!
Shelter 5: “Hogar de Paso Marta Duque”
Location: Pamplona, three-day walk from Venezuela/Colombia border
Opened: January 2018
Operated by: Marta Duque, private home, Venezuelan volunteers
Daily Capacity: Food – 300+, Shelter – 60
Project Highlight: Read more about Marta’s shelter!
Shelter 6: “Hogar de Paso Vanesa”
Location: Pamplona, three-day walk from Venezuela/Colombia border
Opened: November 2017
Operated by: Vanesa Paez, private home, Venezuelan volunteers
Daily Capacity: Food – 100+, Shelter – 65
Shelter 12: “Posada de Esperanza 2”
Location: La Fortuna, 9-day walk from Venezuela/Colombia border
Opened: December 2018
Operated by: Assemblies of God church and volunteers
Daily Capacity: Food and shelter – 100
Shelter 13: “El Espiritu Santo”
Location: Tunja, 22-day walk from Venezuela/Colombia border
Opened: August 2018
Operated by: Private foundation, Venezuelan volunteers
Daily Capacity: Food and shelter – 200