The NC Synod Immigration & Refugee Ministry Team invites congregations and individuals to join in a meaningful opportunity to support immigrant families through El Refugio Ministry in Lumpkin, Georgia—home to the Stewart Detention Center, one of the largest detention centers in the United States.

What is El Refugio?

El Refugio is a hospitality house located just two hours south of Atlanta. Each weekend, it opens its doors to families visiting loved ones in detention, offering them a safe and welcoming place to stay. The ministry also connects with the approximately 2,000 people currently detained at Stewart, sometimes even facilitating visits for volunteers with individuals inside. Learn more on the El Refugio Ministry website, or read Pastor Michael Dickson’s reflection on his last visit.

How Can You Help?

1. Volunteer Teams: Congregations can send groups of four to six overnight volunteers to assist on weekends, supporting families and helping maintain the hospitality house.
2. Donate Items: El Refugio provides clothing and basic necessities to those being released from detention or facing deportation. Donations of backpacks, duffel bags, and clothing for men and women (casual pants, jeans, T-shirts, polo shirts, casual tops, sweatshirts, light jackets, walking shoes, socks, underwear, sports bras) are always welcome.
3. Gift Cards & Financial Support: Shell gas cards ($25 or $50) and fast food gift cards (Dunkin, Subway) are especially helpful. Monetary donations can also be made via Venmo (@ElRefugio) to support the ongoing needs of visiting families and detained individuals.

Grant Support Available

Through a generous grant from the ELCA AMMPARO program, funding is available to help cover travel costs for congregational groups wishing to volunteer at El Refugio.

Get Involved

This ministry of hospitality and presence offers a powerful way to accompany families in vulnerable moments and to extend Christ’s love in tangible ways. To learn more or to organize a trip for your congregation, contact Pastor Michael Dickson.