Who you will help

In Sderot, a city struggling with socioeconomic challenges exacerbated by its proximity to Gaza, life for children can be difficult even in the best circumstances. More than 500 children are defined as 'at-risk', a category encompassing children coming from families with economic hardships, the challenges of immigrant life, limited parental support, and neglect and abuse. On top of that, they must also cope with the harsh security situation close to Gaza, with as much as 90% of children in Sderot experiencing increased anxiety and post-traumatic stress. The municipality of Sderot has recognized this crisis and has doubled down on efforts to support the emotional, physical and mental well-being of its children, through family guidance, financial assistance, therapy and after-school care programs. For the most high-risk, 5 Warm Homes have been built to provide children with nutritious meals, educational support, and professional therapy all in a stable and consistent environment. They have proved crucial to the care and support of Sderot's most vulnerable children. Although the homes serve 75 children, many more are still on a waiting list. The home are not protected against rocket fire, and many are housed in old buildings with limited facilities.

Your donation will fund

To expand the Warm Homes network, the city of Sderot and the Sderot Foundation are establishing a Warm Home Complex - a new building with two floors, housing 3 warm homes on each floor. Each warm home is designed as an apartment to provide the children with a comfortable space that feels like home. In addition, the complex will include treatment rooms where the children will be able to receive needed treatments, a hall for gatherings and offices for the staff. The new complex will serve 90 children (15 in each warm home) and include established rocket proof areas, a security feature that not only protects children during an attack, but supports their emotional well-being and resilience every day. A donation of $200,000 CAD will be recognized by naming one of the warm home apartments in honour of the generous donor.

Location

Sderot is known as a periphery town - located far from Israel's metropolitan centers and services. 4km for the Gaza border, over 700 rocket and mortar attacks fall in the city every year. The fragile and easily agitated security situation has bred a state of trauma among residents.