Project Solid Ground
Comprehensive Living and Housing Solution
for Evacuated Families from the Conflict Zones
Kibbutz Neot Semadar joins the national emergency effort, creating a sustainable housing and living solution
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 evacuated from their homes in the border areas, both near Gaza and in the north. Up to now, those 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, those 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, mental and emotional imbalance, 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.
It's becoming clear that many of those families won't be returning to their homes in the near future, hence a need arises to provide them with comprehensive medium and long-term solutions. Therefore, the Kibbutz has taken on this project.
:Project Goals
Creating a comprehensive housing and living solution within 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 a comprehensive solution 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 & expanded 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 healthy meals per day, served in the communal dining hall, based on local organic produce.
Project Budget: $490,000
Funds Raised: $240,000
Amount Requested: $250,000
The budget will be allocated to provide a comprehensive response for 20 evacuated families from conflict zones in the south and the north of Israel, spanning over a period of minimum eight months. The initiative encompasses the construction of 5 new family yurts, renovating and equipping 15 existing housing units and the building of secure spaces for all new residents. In addition, the budget will cover costs of full integration into communal life – encompassing formal and informal education, food, security, occupational opportunities and social & emotional support for both adults and children.
