Visiting with SOLACE

SOLACE is an interfaith detention center visitation program that supports immigrants and asylum seekers held in immigration detention, tells their stories, and advocates for more humane immigration policies. SOLACE volunteers provide a caring and compassionate presence and affirm the humanity and value of people held in detention.

Why Visit?

Visiting asylum seekers and immigrants detained is challenging and rewarding. Through our simple presence and friendly listening, we can ease the distress of another, a person who is isolated from loved ones, family, work, and the shelter they expected when they came to our country seeking asylum from danger and torture in their home country. It’s a transformative experience for visitors who are willing to be in direct relationship with the people most impacted by our broken immigration system.

Visits are made at the Otay Detention Facility owned by CoreCivic, a for-profit company. Currently immigrants and asylum seekers are not entitled to legal representation or a speedy appearance in court, and are often vulnerable to abuse.

A more humane immigration system is possible, and necessary, and SOLACE seeks to bring to light the suffering of immigrants and families in the current system. We also collaborate with organizations that are working for justice and systemic change.

Join us in this important work!

To find out more about becoming a SOLACE visitor, contact: Hilliard Harper of All Souls’ Church hilliard_maryann@att.net or go to www.firstuusandiego.org/solace.