Causes of the Housing Shortage in Jerusalem

 Israeli government and city policies have significantly reduced the number of housing units available for Palestinians in East Jerusalem.

 Forty-four percent of East Jerusalem is zoned as "Green Areas" meaning that the land cannot be developed at all by those who own it.

 The TPS (Town Planning Scheme) is a cumbersome and restrictive ten-step process that must be completed before a building permit is granted for any home. The process is so costly and difficult that property owners cannot navigate it without expensive legal counsel. Thus only about 150 building permits are granted per year.

The Project

The Mount of Olives Housing Project will provide 84 housing units and be built on land owned by the Lutheran World Federation since 1950 adjacent to the LWF-administered Augusta Victoria Hospital.

The Mount of Olives, one of the highest points in Jerusalem, has a stunning view toward the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea.

When completed, this project will not only offer hope to many Christian Palestinian families, but will also be a visible reminder to every Jerusalemite that there is hope for a lasting peace.

This project will require $8,000,000 USD broken down as follows:

• US Donors $2,000,000
• European Partners $4,000,000
• Financing $2,000,000

Project partners include The Lutheran World Federation, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, The Kaiserin Auguste Victoria Foundation, the Foundation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 

Call (800) 638-3522, ext. 2641, for more information.