Imagine having just hours to gather everything you own—your clothes, documents, maybe a few treasured items—then leaving your home forever under threat. For millions in Colombia, this is everyday reality. As UNHCR reports, around 7 million people are internally displaced in Colombia due to violence and conflict, making it one of the highest rates in the world.
Displacement by the Numbers
In 2024 alone, over 63,000 people were forced to flee conflict in Colombia — the largest mass displacement so far this year. Most escape with no preparation, often leaving everything behind to protect themselves or their children. Many arrive in cities like Medellín—scared, undocumented, and without access to housing, schooling, or jobs.
Since 1997, more than 230,000 displaced people have resettled in Medellín. While the city offers safety, it doesn’t guarantee support. Many IDPs (internally displaced persons) end up in informal settlements, navigating poverty and exclusion with little help.
From the Ground: Fundación Caminos
Organizations like Fundación Caminos, based in Medellín, are working from the ground up. Caminos is based in a neighborhood where almost everyone had to flee because of the armed conflict. The projects that Caminos offers is to support—children, and youth—with education, sports, recreation, cultural programs and psychosocial support, but most importantly: a sense of belonging.
One of their team members shared this: “Most of the mothers who come to us have left everything behind—land, family, belongings. They arrive with trauma and no legal documentation. Many can’t read. Some haven’t slept in a bed for months.”
Fundación Caminos runs programs where children can do sports, play and learn safely. These aren’t just support services—they’re lifelines to rebuild dignity and community.
For those looking to volunteer in Medellín and make a real impact, working with grassroots initiatives like Caminos is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute.
What Small, Local Organizations Do
While large international NGOs often receive most of the funding, local grassroots foundations like those supported by Digital Nomads for Good (DNfG) are often the ones doing the daily, hands-on work. Here’s what some of these organizations do to support displaced people in Medellín:
- Fundación Conciencia – Mental Health & Emotional ResilienceProvides lunches to children, emotional support and education.
- Fundación Caminos – Stability Through SupportOffers tutoring, emotional support, legal aid and family guidance in some of Medellín’s most vulnerable communities. A go-to charity in Medellín for direct community work.
- Sembradores de Paz y Esperanza – Community & Identity for YouthFocuses on peace-building, sports and education to engage youth and keep them out of cycles of violence. A vibrant place to volunteer in Medellín for those passionate about youth empowerment.
- Cocina de Kima – Food, Dignity, and SolidarityServes daily meals to children with warmth and care, turning a simple plate of food into a gesture of dignity and love. A great way to donate in Medellín and see the direct impact on families in need.
These organizations may be small in size, but their reach is enormous. Their programs are built on trust, lived experience, and community leadership — making them impactful options for those who want to donate or volunteer in Medellín as a way of giving back.
A Future Built From Almost Nothing
Displaced families often arrive in Medellín with just a plastic bag and a phone number scribbled on paper—if they’re lucky. Many had no warning, no time to plan. If they had stayed, they would have risked forced recruitment, violence, or death.
And yet, despite the trauma, resilience thrives.
One teenager supported by Sembradores de Paz now leads peer theater workshops for other (displaced) youth. A mother trained through Fundación Conciencia now facilitates weekly activities for women. These are the quiet victories that turn survival into strength.
But the Challenge Remains
Colombia’s displaced population continues to grow. Meanwhile, more than 65% of IDPs live below the poverty line, and only 15% have stable housing. UNHCR warns that funding cuts could affect thousands of children and families who rely on protection services this year.
Why It Matters (Especially for Digital Nomads in Medellín)
If you’re a digital nomad living in Medellín, you’ve probably fallen in love with the city’s beauty and energy. But just outside the coffee shops and coworking spaces, thousands of families are fighting to rebuild after unimaginable loss.
This isn’t about guilt — it’s about connection and community. As nomads, we have the unique chance to use our presence for good, and help build bridges between privilege and need.
By supporting small, community-led organizations — whether through time, visibility, or funding — we can help displaced families rebuild their lives with dignity.
What You Can Do
If you’re looking for a way to volunteer, donate, or support charity in Medellín, start with grassroots initiatives like:
- Fundación Caminos
- Fundación Conciencia
- Sembradores de Paz y Esperanza
- Cocina de Kima
They don’t need a million-dollar grant. They need allies. People who care. People like you.
Because when someone is forced to leave everything behind, the smallest gesture of welcome can become the seed of a new life.
Written by Sabine Bouwmeester, COO at Digital Nomads for Good, where she helps connect local led organizations with people who want to make a real impact. She believes that generosity, critical thinking, and good coffee can change the world — in that order.
Sources
- UNHCR – Colombia Situation Overview
UNHCR highlights Colombia as one of the countries with the largest internally displaced populations in the world.
Link: https://www.unhcr.org/emergencies/colombia-emergency - UNHCR – Over 63,000 displaced in Catatumbo in 2024
UNHCR briefing on mass displacements in Colombia’s conflict zones.
Link: https://www.unhcr.org/news/briefing-notes/years-progress-protection-and-integration-displaced-people-colombia-risk-unhcr - UNHCR – Urban Displacement in Medellín
Story highlighting Indigenous and Afro-Colombian displacement into urban areas like Medellín.
Link: https://www.unhcr.org/news/stories/colombias-indigenous-pushed-find-safety-cities - UNHCR – Data Portal on Colombia
Contains updated statistics on internally displaced people and humanitarian needs in Colombia.
Link: https://data.unhcr.org/en/country/col - UNHCR – Situation Report 2023–2024
Details funding gaps, child protection risks, and community-based support needs for displaced populations in Colombia.
Link: https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/download/90718 - Digital Nomads for Good (DNfG) – Partner Organization Overviews
Internal data and program descriptions from DNfG on Fundación Caminos, Fundación Conciencia, Sembradores de Paz y Esperanza, and Cocina de Kima.
Link: https://digitalnomadsforgood.org.uk
