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Behind the Door article: Behind the Door: Villa International Atlanta
January 23, 2009
Source: Community Partnership Update/February 2008
Part of a continuing series of articles highlighting key institutions in the Clifton community
The accommodations are unlike what guests might find at a local hotel, or even a bed and breakfast, but Villa International, tucked in on 1.5 acres across from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 1749 Clifton Road, continues to pack the house each week with guests from every corner of the globe.
Villa International, or simply "Villa" as it is called, was established in 1972 as inexpensive, short- or long-term lodging in a homelike atmosphere, for international scientists visiting the CDC. Today, over 21,000 visitors later, the Villa continues to fill its 32 rooms with travelers from far-flung nations.
"This week we have guests from Pakistan, India, Ethiopia, Colombia, Egypt, Turkey, Hong Kong, China and Korea," said Camille Gaffron, executive director. She lives on-site, and since 2000 has managed the enterprise with her mix of Southern hospitality, and patience for foreign guests and their cultural differences.
Villa funding comes from room fees and funding from seven Christian denominations. "We practice friendship evangelism and celebrate diversity of culture," says Gaffron. Although, she adds that most guests are non-Christian. "Our chapel is sacred space. It has bibles from around the world, as well as prayer rugs and candles – we are open to all."
The breadth of nationalities represented under one roof allows researchers and scientists from warring countries to sleep, cook, recreate and live side-by-side. Gaffron added that it is a safe place to make friends – an opportunity that might ordinarily not occur elsewhere.
Gaffron herself was first introduced to Villa International in the early 1970s when her mother was raising funds for the new guesthouse. Thirty-six years ago and today, guests likely do not have cars and walk to work at the CDC or Emory research institutions. Some guests stay one day, others end up staying years, based on their research. "Sometimes it is easier for them to extend their stays in the U.S., since entering and exiting is limited based on their visas."
Guests at Villa rely on volunteers to get them off-site to shopping and other locations. Volunteers assist with the driving – and more volunteers are always needed. All guests cook their own meals on-site in one of two industrial kitchens. Gaffron is also proud of her gardens tucked behind the Villa.
How does Ms. Gaffron manage the dozens of languages spoke in her “open house”? Gaffron says, "The international language of science is English, so thankfully, there is rarely a language barrier."
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