“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 provided more than 74,000 room nights for 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 the National Institutes of Health 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.

To discuss these opportunities, please call Caite Gilmore at 301-402-5311, or contact her by email at: cgilmore [at] fnih [dot] org.

If you would like to make a donation to the Safra Lodge, please click here >>

  View the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge Newsletter here >>

“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