José de Jesús: A Story of Dignity, Hard Work, and New Opportunities

On this journey they call migration, you encounter everything. My family and I knocked on many doors and spoke with many organizations, but none had supported us as much as Heartland Alliance International. Thanks to them, everything is better now, and we can continue building our story. – José.

At 38 years old, José de Jesús Montilla is the proud father of three children and the head of his household. Like many Venezuelan families, José and his loved ones made the difficult decision to migrate to Colombia, seeking what every human being deserves: security, stability, and a dignified life.

In 2022, after a long and uncertain journey marked by scarcity and the loss of basic rights, José arrived in Pasto—a city that today represents a fresh start. According to official figures from Migración Colombia, more than 13,000 migrants and refugees live in Pasto, many of whom face daily challenges such as limited access to services, informal employment, and discrimination. But amidst these obstacles, there are also opportunities and pathways to transformation.

From Uncertainty to Stability: Support That Changes Lives

In September 2023, with support from the Heartland Alliance International, José and his family applied for asylum with Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their application was accepted, and they received an SC2 safe-conduct pass—a key document that allowed them to begin exercising their rights in the country. This was their first step toward stability.

José had been working as a plant assistant in a construction company, but without social security benefits. With the project’s legal support, a writ of protection was filed on his behalf and successfully ruled in his favor. The court ordered his enrollment in COLPENSIONES and ARL, officially recognizing his safe-conduct pass as a valid document. This ruling was a milestone: it opened the door to formal employment and access to social protection.

Having a formal employment contract transformed José’s life. Work was no longer about mere survival; he could now support his family with stability, plan for the future, and regain his self-esteem. Employment also allowed him to integrate socially and culturally, develop new skills, and feel like an active, valued member of his community.

José, along with his family, dreams of building a new future in Colombia.

In this healing process, having a decent and safe place to live was essential for moving forward. Through the project, we supported José and his family in accessing secure, stable housing. This enabled them to establish new routines, connect with social programs, and reduce risks such as overcrowding. — Psychosocial Professional, Heartland Alliance International

Mental Health: Healing to Move Forward

Migration often leaves invisible wounds: uprooting, anxiety about starting over, discrimination, and the constant pressure to survive. Through the psychosocial support, José found a safe space to express his emotions and begin healing.

This support improved not only his emotional well-being but also strengthened his family relationships, boosted his motivation, and enhanced his job performance.

Safe and stable housing was another key factor in this healing process. With the project’s support, José and his family gained access to a secure home where they could build new routines, connect with social programs, and reduce risks such as overcrowding.

A Journey of Dignity and Perseverance

José de Jesús’ story is a testament to the transformative power of dignity, perseverance, and timely support. His progress has been made possible by his determination and by the comprehensive approach of our programs, which promote not only short-term solutions but also sustainable integration processes.

Thanks to Heartland Alliance International, families like José’s are building new lives—lives rooted in hope, stability, and the conviction that a better future is possible.