In this article, we will list long-term housing options for the Pride community and the trans community in particular. This may not be a full list.
For information about rent assistance for those with a disability recognized by Bituach Leumi on Kol-Zchut website.
Frameworks Accommodated to the Trans Spectrum
Transitional Temporary Housing – Otot
The “Otot” association operates transitional apartments – one for young transgender women and one for young trans men.
The apartments are suitable for independent young people without a family background, aged 18-30, who are not currently in an emergency situation, and who have an employment framework – work, studies or volunteering, and who can plan ahead with goals and objectives.
The apartments are located in Tel Aviv, each has a place for 5 tenants. One can stay in the apartment for up to a year (there is a possibility of extending the stay half a year more). The general schedule for each individual includes a weekly meeting with a social worker + a meeting with a mentor from the trans community, and an apartment meeting.
Each and their own needs: it is possible to use the services for exercising your rights and connecting with different organisations, improving skills for independent living, improving interpersonal communication skills etc.
The intake process includes:
- Phone call with the apartment manager
- Introductory meeting with the apartment staff
- submitting a social report + psychiatric report
- Interview
Contact: Doreena 0524489444
Doreena@otot-il.org.il
Pride Youth Hostel – Drorim
The hostel is located in Nes Tziyona and provides a therapeutic-educational framework for 16 LGBT teens – gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender, in crisis and at risk.
The fundamental principles of the hostel are based on gender-affirming care, making a safe space for LGBT teens through familiarity with the unique challenges the LGBT community faces, trauma-informed care, and more.
The hostel was opened to provide long-term solutions for LGBT teens ages 12-18, particularly teens on the trans spectrum, who are coping with a wide range of things and struggle to integrate into regular frameworks. The hostel operates in all areas and gives the teens education, therapy, guidance, and support, using individual, group, and community tools. The care also aims to fully involve the parents and family (when possible).
Staying at the hostel is long-term (up to several years). Residents go home every 3 weeks.
Hostel for LGBT Young Adults – Avnei Derech
Avnei Derech provides a housing solution for adults aged 18-25 from the LGBT community, who need guidance and direction in embarking on an independent adult life. The hostel is located in Holon and includes a place to sleep and an intensive support system for up to a year and a half.
During their stay at the hostel, the young adults gain life skills in the areas of employment, economics, and household management along with social skills, and gain additional sources of support in the wider community.
The hostel is designated for young adults ages 18-25 from the LGBT community who need support, guidance, shelter, and care, including:
- Young adults who are forced to leave their family home due to their sexual orientation or gender identity who need a reorganization period of several months before they depart for independent life.
- Young adults without independent functioning skills, both in terms of life skills and occupational skills, who need guidance in acquiring these skills.
- Young men and women during a gender adaptation process, who need intensive guidance during this period.
Beit Hatzvaim – Slav Organization
Beit Hatzvaim is designated for young adults from the LGBTQ community without family support ages 25-35. A trauma-informed and sensitive home located in Ashdod.
The home offers a safe space, 24/7 guidance, communication, and building a therapeutic program.
The care and rehabilitation provided are sensitive to diversity of gender, sexuality, and culture.
Referrals: Social worker in the community
Contact details:
- Send a social work assessment and an up-to-date medical and/or psychiatric assessment by email to ilanjo@slavpro.co.il.
- For questions and further information contact Ilana Dahan – 054-6651470.
Protected Housing for the Trans Community – Slav
Slav Rehabilitation Services operates protected group housing designated for trans community members who also suffer from mental health issues and are eligible for community rehabilitation (Sal Shikum). The group homes are regular apartments in the Ramat Gan area, requiring payment of rent, bills, etc. As part of the service, residents receive weekly meetings with a case manager, and meetings with a mentor multiple times a week as needed.
Housing Frameworks – Gvanim Organization
The Gvanim organization operates many types of services for people with various disabilities. The organizations bases their work on a personal and community approach, where each person builds their own personal development plan, with professional guidance.
The organization offers many housing programs for various populations, ranging from ages 12 to 55.
Many of the apartments accommodate people on the trans spectrum, and there are also apartments designated for the trans spectrum specifically. These apartments are located all around the country, mostly through two programs – “Hed” for those who are eligible for community rehabilitation (Sal Shikum), and “Dror” for people on the autism spectrum.
Frameworks that are not Specifically Designated for the Trans Spectrum
The following frameworks are not necessarily accommodated to the trans community, and it is recommended to contact them individually.
Ofek Nashi (Female Future)
Ofek Nashi offers housing programs for women on the prostitution spectrum and/or with addiction. Trans women are also accepted based on personal details.
- Contact details:
Phone – 04-8524237
Hostels and Transitional Housing – Saleet Organization
Saleet’s therapeutic-rehabilitative hostel is a country-wide hostel designated for women who need mental health treatment and housing for a year. The hostel is the home of 12 women and gives the residents a healing experience and model of a home that they did not previously have. The women at the hostel go through a process in all areas of life during their stay. This includes guidance and support in basic skills of managing a normal daily routine, managing a household, budgeting, and more.
The women living at the hostel receive individual and group therapy to help cope with the trauma that women in the prostitution circle experience.
After a year at the hostel, the women are given the option of living in transitional apartments that house 3-4 women at a time and are an additional assistive framework on the path to personal and financial independence.
Both the hostel and the apartments have a staff that includes: Head of facility, therapeutic team and social guides/mentors
Contact at:
- Phone – 03-6855458
- Email – hostel@saleet.org.i
The Department for Homelessness – Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality
Assistance for homeless people, and shelter that unfortunately struggles to accommodate the transgender population.
Contact at:
- Phone – 03-7246170
- Contact online
The Department for Homelessness – Haifa Municipality
Contact at:
- Phone – 04-8628314
Korat Gag Haifa
Contact at:
- Phone – 053-7548263
Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs – Homelessness
List of assistance options and service centers for homeless people