We welcomed several hundred migrant men during my time as Chaplain of the Columban Migrant House of Hospitality in Santiago, Chile.
The great majority of migrant residents that we received came from Venezuela, which has been in political, economic and social collapse for several years now. We also received large numbers of Colombians and Haitians as well as smaller numbers of Ecuadorans, Peruvians, Brazilians, Argentinians, Dominicans, Mexicans, Costa Ricans, as well as two Russians, one Moroccan and one Austrian.
This meant that the great majority of migrant residents were native Spanish speakers. It also meant that there was a similar Latin American cultural base for the great majority, around common areas such as history, music, dance, sports and cuisine.
All the migrant residents were recent arrivals in Chile. This meant that many were living in small tents in parks and plazas or in overcrowded conditions in shanty towns. One thing they all had in common was the desire to be able to live a decent, happy free life in Chile, after leaving the poverty, the political repression, the social collapse and often the hunger back in their home countries.
Still, when many men are forced to live in cramped conditions, especially during the pandemic, tensions naturally arose. Shared sleeping areas and limited access to kitchens, bathrooms and laundry facilities often led to disagreements and occasional conflict.
It’s also important to remember that each migrant brought their own trauma, whether from experiences in their home country, the pain of leaving loved ones, the dangers of the journey to Chile, or the challenge of adapting to a new culture.
In close quarters, it quickly became clear who respected the Migrant House, followed the rules, and tried to live harmoniously, and those who didn’t. Some worked to build unity; others stirred division, showing little concern for the wellbeing of others or the smooth running of the house.
Residents of the Migrant House came from a wide range of backgrounds, with significant differences in education, social class, health, and personal beliefs. Some had university degrees, while others were illiterate; some came from military backgrounds, while others opposed the military; some were openly gay, while others had never encountered this before. The House also included residents with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, or serious medical needs, as well as differing attitudes to domestic work and hygiene, factors that often caused tension.
While religious differences rarely sparked conflict, the use of alcohol and drugs, common coping mechanisms for trauma, frequently led to problems and, in some cases, expulsion from the House. Age differences and contrasting life experiences further complicated communal living, though many residents still engaged openly with special events organised by the local parish and sought a shared sense of belonging.
From experience, the following areas were very important for harmonious intercultural living:
- When a new resident arrived at the Migrant House, it was essential to explain all house protocols clearly. This included rules on visitors, length of stay, domestic chore schedules, curfews, and gate locking times.
- We made it clear that any form of racism, classism, homophobia, ableism, ageism, or other prejudice or discrimination would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
- We ensured newly arriving residents sign a contract agreeing to all the conditions outlined in their contract. This held them accountable for their actions.
- Management staff had regular facilitated meetings with all residents, where any kind of difficulty or conflict could be discussed appropriately.
- As important, were individual resident meetings where any personal difficulties or problems can be addressed.
- We felt it was important for residents to take part in fortnightly sessions with external professionals, including social workers and psychologists, who provided both group and individual support.
Living in the Columban Migrant House was a profound experience of shared life across cultures. Despite the tensions and challenges that naturally arose, it was a space where mutual respect, compassion and solidarity often triumphed. Diverse in language, background and experience, the residents learned to navigate difference and find common ground. As we now reflect on the house’s legacy and discern its future, we give thanks for all who passed through its doors, each one contributing in their own way to a mosaic of hope, resilience, and intercultural community.
