Dignity, companionship, and daily care for elderly men in Bethlehem
Saint Lazarus House is a planned day-care center for elderly men in Bethlehem—Ahdaf’s “brother” project to Saint Martha’s House. It will offer safe daytime care, warm meals, meaningful activities, and transportation to and from home.
Our goal is to secure land and build a shared campus where Saint Lazarus House and Saint Martha’s House operate as two dedicated centers under one roof—each with its own entrance, spaces, and program team—both serving the same mission of care and dignity.
Ahdaf means “goals” in Arabic—this project is one of our most important goals for the community.
Why Saint Lazarus House?
Many elderly men in Bethlehem face long days alone while families work, limited mobility, and rising costs for basic care. A day program designed for men can:
- Reduce isolation through friendship, routine, and purpose
- Support families and caregivers with reliable daytime care
- Improve wellbeing with nutritious meals and gentle, age-appropriate activities
- Connect men to services and community life in a respectful, faith-aware environment
Our Model (mirrors Saint Martha’s House)
- Door-to-door transport: Morning pickup and afternoon drop-off
- Two meals daily: Breakfast and lunch prepared with care
- Activities & social life: Conversation circles, memory games, music, crafts, backgammon/chess, light movement
- Care & support: A welcoming team, check-ins, and referrals if needed
- Respect for faith & culture: Space for prayer and seasonal traditions
(Exact schedule and capacity will be finalized during design and staffing.)
The Campus Plan
- One building, two centers: Saint Lazarus House (for men) and Saint Martha’s House (for women) on the same property, each in a separate wing
- Shared efficiencies: Where appropriate—parking, elevator access, utilities—while keeping programs distinct
- Sustainable design: Accessible spaces, energy-aware systems, and safety at the core
Phased Timeline (subject to funding)
- Land Acquisition – Identify and purchase suitable plot in Bethlehem area
- Design & Permits – Architectural plans, accessibility, safety, and efficient kitchens/dining
- Construction – Build the two-center facility (separate wings)
- Furnishing & Staffing – Equip kitchens/activity rooms; recruit drivers, caregivers, and program leads
- Pilot Launch – Gradual enrollment, quality checks, and community feedback
How You Can Help
- Give to the Building Fund: Help us buy land and build the two-center campus
- Sponsor a Room: Name a dining table, activity room, vehicle, or garden bench
- Monthly Supporter: Pledge ongoing gifts toward meals, transport, and staff
- In-Kind & Pro Bono: Construction materials, furnishings, professional services
- Land Leads: Introduce opportunities or partners who can help secure a suitable plot
(For gift processing, receipts, and naming opportunities, please contact us.)
Stewardship & Accountability
Ahdaf will publish updates at each phase, maintain transparent budgeting, and share impact stories. Saint Lazarus House will operate under Ahdaf’s governance with dedicated staff, safeguarding, and financial oversight—just like Saint Martha’s House.
FAQ
Is Saint Lazarus House open now?
Not yet. It is a planned project pending land acquisition and construction.
Where will it be located?
On a new property to be acquired for a two-center campus serving both Saint Lazarus House and Saint Martha’s House.
How will donations be used?
First for land and building, then for fit-out and staffing. We’ll report progress and outcomes at each phase.