Establishing an Emergency Mental Health and Loneliness Relief Center in Sderot

Makshivim Association invites you to partner with us in establishing an innovative regional center in Sderot dedicated to alleviating loneliness, strengthening community resilience, and providing accessible emotional support to the residents of Sderot and the Western Negev. Years of complex security challenges, ongoing trauma, and life disruptions have severely exacerbated loneliness across all age groups-from the elderly to youth and young families. Often called the "silent epidemic," loneliness significantly increases the risks of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. The new emergency center will build upon Makshivim’s 24/7 hotline, combining compassionate human support with the advanced "Venchi" AI technology to detect distress in real-time, identify suicide risks, and gather community-level insights. The center will also operate proactive outreach programs, recruit and train local volunteers (including Sapir College students) in emotional first aid, and collaborate closely with local welfare and resilience services. While equipment and technological infrastructure have been generously donated by WIX, and operational funding is partially supported by the Ministry of Health, we need your help to launch and maintain the physical center in Sderot. Join us to ensure that no one has to face crisis alone