Our Home: sharing to remain in the place where we were all born
Palestine/BethlehemCONTEXT & OBJECTIVE
The “Our home” project is an initiative aimed at preserving the Christian presence in the place where the Word was made flesh and at strengthening ties between the Eastern and Western communities.
With the contributions collected, we promote the recovery of abandoned homes in the historic center of Bethlehem, near the Basilica of the Nativity. Some of these properties have been bought and are owned by the Custody of the Holy Land; part of them have then been assigned to poor families after being reassessed. In other cases the restored environments are used to launch socio-entrepreneurial activities, aimed at welcoming pilgrims, offering them the opportunity of life experiences with the local community, or to open handcraft shops. The local population is also involved in the restoration works.
The renovation process also includes installation of water tanks on rooftops to counteract water shortage.
Activities
- Recovery of historical heritage and ancient structures of the historic center
- Restoration works through involvement of local workers
- Training of artisans (mosaic, ceramics, food products, …)
- Start-up, promotion and management of social entrepreneurial activities
- Promotion of experiential travel and training courses in the tourism sector
BENEFICIARIES
- The poor families of Bethlehem
- Workers and craftsmen
- Pilgrims and visitors
A new home for Suzi and Lina

A joint action between Association pro Terra Sancta and the Pontifical Mission, a Christian organization founded by Pope Pius XII in 1949 in support of Palestinian needy families, seeks to remedy this disastrous situation. Thanks to this project, around 10-12 homes are renovated each year in the area of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. Each question is examined by experts to understand the seriousness of the problem: after the checks by Muna Salman, project manager and head of the technical department of Association pro Terra Sancta in Bethlehem, the family has a meeting with the Association’s social worker of the Nadia Nasser to assess the economic and social situation. When the project is approved, the family is asked to make a small contribution to the expenses for greater responsibility. In a few weeks, the jobs that often include the rebuilding of the ceiling, the waterproofing of the rooms, and the painting take place, but every case is different.
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ASSOCIAZIONE PRO TERRA SANCTA
Banca Popolare Etica
IBAN: IT 56 R 05018 12101 000014400444
BIC CODE: CCRTIT2T84A
For American donors ONLY
If you wish to donate a minimum of $500 (with possibility of tax deduction) please contact info@proterrasancta.org BEFORE making the donation.
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