The Shalheveth Home independent living facility is a first of its kind in Israel. The Shalheveth organization initiated the project because many severely disabled adults in Israel live in institutions, and desire to start an independent life within the community. In order to do so, they need a framework that will help them overcome their fears and their lack of daily life skills.

Project tenants: 13 wheelchair bound individuals, aged 30 to 60, live in the Shalheveth Home. Each resident has a small apartment with a separate room for a caregiver. Residents receive governmental financial support, and are responsible for managing their daily life independently. Most residents do not work and stay at home all day. All tenants need constant help from a caregiver.

Project Description: The house - located at 36 Shimoni St., a central neighborhood of Jerusalem - was rented by the organization for 10 years, with an option of extending the lease. The building consists of 13 apartments and a big communal room that serves as a social club. After major renovations, the building is fully accessible.

80% of the renovations were funded by the Ministry of Housing and the National Insurance Institute of Israel, while the additional 20% was covered by private donations from Israel and abroad.

The organization puts every effort into making life in the Shalheveth Home pleasant and dignified. Shalheveth provides a weekly Shabbat meal, cultural events, art classes and above all – the services of a qualified social worker.

Although quite common in Europe and the U.S.A., independent residential living facilities suited to the needs of severely disabled adults do not exist in Israel outside of the Shalheveth Home facility. The streamlined approach taken by Shalheveth saves the government of Israel over $225,000 yearly (about $1,442 per person living in the residence every month – money that today is invested in institutions).