Project Solid Ground - Neot Semadar 2023-4

Project Stable Ground offers comprehensive housing and living solutions for evacuated families from conflict zones: Kibbutz Neot Semadar joins the national emergency effort, creating sustainable housing and living solutions with a comprehensive approach for 20 displaced families from the Gaza envelope and northern border areas. Background: As the war in Israel prolongs and intensifies, thousands of families are evicted from their homes in the border areas, both near Gaza and in the north. Up to now, these families were provided with partial, temporary housing solutions and there are already signs of a major shortage in the supply of medium and long-term housing. Beyond being uprooted, these families are in a state of prolonged turmoil, suffering from harm in all aspects of life – loss of livelihood and financial uncertainty, lack of education frameworks for their children, breakdown of social and communal structures, etc. From the day the war broke out, Neot Semadar took an active role in the national effort and opened its gates for displaced families. Neot Semadar is a cooperative kibbutz in the southern Negev Mountain (45 minutes' drive from Eilat) with a population of 250 adults and children. Established in 1989, the kibbutz is centered on communal learning through cooperative work in diverse fields. It specializes in mentoring communities and individuals from Israel and abroad and integrating them into daily activities through seminars and various volunteer programs.  While it's becoming clear that many of these families won't be returning to their homes in the near future, a need arises to provide them with comprehensive medium and long-term solutions. Therefore, the Kibbutz has taken on this project. Project Goals: Creating comprehensive housing and living solutions including a supportive community structure for evacuated families from the conflict zones, enabling them to start rebuilding their lives on solid ground. Target audience: 20 evacuated families from the conflict zones who are unable to return to their homes. Strategy: Neot Semadar's unique approach provides comprehensive solutions in all aspects of life, based on the kibbutz's capabilities, resources and vast experience Housing - Rapid construction of resilient family-size yurts within one month, as well as renovation of existing structures. Security - Safe geographic location far from conflict zones, protected spaces & expanding security measures. Education - Integrating children from evacuated families in the kibbutz's formal and informal education systems. Community - Creating a supportive community structure with full participation in kibbutz life, including personal support & guidance. Employment - Optional work in kibbutz branches; supporting continued remote work for those who can. Health - Optional meeting sessions with local tutors from various mind & body disciplines. Nutrition - 3 nutritious meals per day, served in the communal dining hall, based on local organic produce. Total cost of the project is $500,000. The remaining funds yet to be raised are: $160,000. Your donations will help to cover housing and living costs for 20 families Construction costs for 5 new family-size yurts, renovation costs for existing structures, secure spacing costs and living costs for the first three months (education, nutrition and food, emotional support and social guidance). All new construction under this project will be designated for long-term housing for evacuated families. We kindly ask for your support. Your contribution, regardless the amount, is greatly appreciated as we work toward our mission.