Refuge Coffee Co.

Refuge Coffee Co. sits in the middle of an area called "the most diverse square mile in America." If Time magazine says it, it must be true, right? When you enter Clarkston, you will see that it is indeed true. Clarkston is an area of Atlanta where many refugees and internationals live, and Refuge Coffee Co. is helping them build a sustainable community where they can enjoy a fulfilled life and live among friends. 

Many of us know that a stark difference between America and other areas of the world is hospitality. Whereas an American might shake your hand, a Turk or Syrian will kiss you on both cheeks as soon as they meet you. An American might plan to have you over to dinner a week from now, but an international will invite you in right now to share whatever they have prepared for your family. 

Clarkston is changing that. 

Take Refuge Coffee Co. They are not only serving great coffee in a cute, hipster garage coffee shop in Clarkston, but they are also training and employing refugees. Even more, they are inviting the community to come together at Refuge Coffee and experience the hospitality that we crave and the open friendship that comes from an international community. They are bringing hospitality into our culture and allowing Atlanta to become a place where the freedom of America meets with the love and kindness of other cultures. They are making us all better people and opening the door to cross-cultural friendships that might have not happened if this little coffee shop didn't exist. 

Refuge Coffee Co. does more than serve coffee. This past Saturday, I was there with a crowd of locals to watch the Atlanta United game on big-screen TVs. We ate international food from the neighbors and drank tea and coffee. I handed out glow sticks to the kids running around. This is community. 

If you are traveling through Atlanta, studying at one of the universities, or living in the city, come to Clarkston. Visit Refuge Coffee Co. and talk with your barista, who is a refugee resettled in Atlanta. Play a board game inside the garage coffee shop. Wave at the neighbor children. You will be forever changed, and for the better. I promise.