“We know that when illness afflicts one person, an entire family can suffer. The mission of the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge is to give those families a place to remain resilient and together.”

                                   — Mrs. Lily Safra
                             Chairman, Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation

Since its opening in 2005, the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge has welcomed more than 70,000 family caregivers from around the world, providing a rejuvenating haven from the stresses that serious illness of a loved one can impose. The lodge is designed to be more home than hotel.

Located on the NIH campus, the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge provides no-cost accommodations to families of adult patients receiving care at the NIH Clinical Center. In addition to their own private rooms, guests are free to use the lodge's many amenities: a library, a business and telecommuting center, a fitness center, a children's play area, several lounge areas, a healing garden, and home-style kitchen. The handsome and tranquil setting is designed to foster much-needed rest and relaxation.

The lodge is a tangible example of how the Foundation for NIH supports patients’ comfort and care.  Serving as the gateway for private involvement, the foundation enabled individuals and organizations to contribute nearly $10 million to build the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge, which opened in June 2005.

Mrs. Lily Safra, along with the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation, provided the principal private funding for construction. Ongoing operations are funded directly by the Clinical Center, but the foundation has a commitment to enhancing the lives of the lodge residents during their stay.  Through funds that the foundation raises, a daily continental breakfast is offered, as well as ongoing maintenance and guest services.

Gifts of all sizes play an essential role in caring support of loved ones of patients with serious illness and disease. Many opportunities exist to name a room at the lodge in honor of a friend or loved one. 

“The Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge is a sanctuary, a refuge. The staff is always warm and welcoming; the atmosphere is caring, quiet and a real “home away from home.”

                                       — Safra Family Lodge Guest

Take a tour with this slideshow of recent photos.

Slideshow photos by: Heather Weingardt