WEST BANK & GAZA

Global Communities has been working continuously in the West Bank and Gaza since 1995. Though the region has been rocked by turbulent change since then—conflict, political strife, and the economic and societal hardship that accompanies both—we have not lost sight of the ultimate goal to provide stability through economic opportunity in partnership with the Palestian people. During this time, Global Communities has implemented numerous programs, working in some of the most impoverished communities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Our programs are designed to provide Palestinians with short- and long-term job opportunities, while working with local municipalities and NGOs to rebuild infrastructure and improve the environment for Palestinian communities. 

Community-led Development and Infrastructure

Our current programming continues to build better lives for the Palestinian people. In the West Bank, we are implementing the Palestine Local Government and Infrastructure (LGI) program, a $100-million USAID-funded project. LGI is responding to community infrastructure needs in Palestine. By working with community leaders, municipal governments, and other community-based organizations, Global Communities is identifying and implementing infrastructure projects and improving local governance strategies to better the quality of life for Palestinians. Infrastructure projects have the dual impact of creating employment and raising the standard of living in vulnerable area while also supporting community participation and government responsiveness. 

The program is also helping young Palestians build job skills through the Engineering Fellows Program and promoting youth involvement in democracy and local goverance through Youth Shadow Local Councils.

Support to Vulnerable Gazans

The Palestinian Community Assistance Program (PCAP) program, funded by USAID through Mercy Corps, is helping to improve the future of Palestinians living in Gaza through integrated social and economic relief and recovery. By meeting basic humanitarian needs like infrastructure and housing improvements, economic recovery, food security and health and social services, we are laying the foundations for long-term recovery.

Humanitarian Assistance

Global Communitieshas been providing direct humanitarian assistance in partnership with the UN World Food Programme since 2005. Working with WFP, Global Communities is distributing much-need food commodities to vulnerable families in the West Bank and Gaza. 

Housing Finance and Homebuyer Education

The Palestinian Homebuyer Education Program (PHEP), funded by the UK Department for International Development (DfID), is working to improve the ability of Palestinian households to become successful homeowners. The program aims to increase consumer awareness of critical issues related to home ownership, improve consumer knowledge of the home buying process and promote the growth of the real estate profession through the introduction of real estate curricula. At the same time, the Mortgage Market Development Program (MMDP) is supporting the development of a sustainable long-term mortgage market by providing technical assistance and education at all levels of the market—from potential homebuyers, to current apartment owners, to bank loan officers, to local appraisers. Global Communities is also helping potential homeowners access credit through the Affordable Mortgage and Loan Corporation (AMAL), a non-bank mortgage finance company that housing finance to low and middle income households throughout the West Bank. 

Expanding Access to Credit

Through Ryada (`pioneer' in Arabic), Global Communities has been providing loans to underserved Palestinians since 1994. Considered one of the first credit programs in the Palestinian territories, Ryada has worked throughout Gaza since its inception in 1994 with support from the USAID and expanded to areas of the West Bank after 2001. Ryada program provides micro and small loans for home improvements, business development, residential land and apartment purchases.

To learn more about Global Communities' work in the West Bank and Gaza, please visit the Palestine website.