Weekend hosts, October 2–4, 2026 · Lumpkin, Georgia
Raising Funds for Our October Visit to El Refugio
El Refugio is the hospitality house in Lumpkin, Georgia, for families and loved ones visiting people held at the Stewart Detention Center. It offers a place to rest, eat, sleep, and connect with people who care.
"The helpline keeps ringing, the Hospitality House keeps opening, volunteers keep visiting, families keep coming. People inside keep reaching out. This is what keeps us connected to Stewart and what allows us to carry what we learn into rooms where decisions are made."
The lack of adequate food, medical care, and other basic services for detainees is worsening as the number of people held pushes the center grossly over capacity — reinforcing the need for accountability and advocacy. Stewart holds the fourth-largest detainee population in the country: 2,100 to 2,200 people in a facility designed for 1,752, most of whom have no criminal record.
Groups serve as weekend hosts for visiting families. A group of coalition members, led by Ginny Holquist, will host October 2–4. We will bring food, drinks, and gas cards — and, most importantly, be supportive and empathetic listeners for families and, if allowed, for detainees we may visit.
Upon our return, we will share what we learn with coalition members, faith communities, and community organizations.
In recent weeks El Refugio has welcomed Senator Raphael Warnock to the Hospitality House and met with Rep. Pramila Jayapal and her delegation during their visit to Stewart Detention Center.
Our goal: match last year's $4,000
Please give, as an individual or as a congregation. Last year the coalition raised $4,000 to carry with us, and we would like to do at least that much again. Your donation supports the work of El Refugio and buys food, supplies, and gas cards for those visiting detainees.
