HaLev

Homeless Shelters

Founded in 2001 in Tel Aviv, HaLev is ELEM’s flagship program for teens and young adults involved in prostitution or at risk of sexual exploitation. HaLev offers a safe, nonjudgmental space where youth receive harm-reduction support, trauma-informed care, and opportunities to build a future beyond survival.

HaLev’s national network includes both day centers and a 24/7 facility in Tel Aviv, where youth know they can find refuge at any hour. Across all locations, the focus remains the same—safety, trust, and a chance to begin again.

HaLev currently operates in Dimona, Eilat, Haifa, and Tel Aviv.

HaLev supports youth ages 14 to 26, from all backgrounds.

Some still live at home and go to school. Others are homeless or disconnected from any support. All are navigating complex realities, often involving trauma, family breakdown, or discrimination.

Many are involved in sex work as a survival strategy. Some are exploited online through forums, dating apps, or social media. Nearly 1 in 5 identify as transgender. In Haifa, 70% of youth at HaLev are Arab, and many are trans girls who were forced to leave home after coming out.

These youth are often ignored by institutions. HaLev is built to meet them exactly where they are, without judgment.

What Happens at HaLev

Each HaLev center is a safe, welcoming space with firm boundaries. No exploitation. No clients. Just warmth, trust, and care.

At HaLev, youth receive hot meals and basic necessities, a place to rest safely off the streets, Immediate and long-term emotional support, personal mentorship and empowerment, access to education, health care, employment, and community services, and 24/7 support, both in person and by phone.

The approach is based on harm reduction. Staff do not require youth to leave prostitution to receive help. Instead, they build trust and create real alternatives that allow youth to reduce or leave sex work on their own terms.

Reaching the Margins of Israeli Society

HaLev employs a team of 12 to 18 staff and 20 volunteers who coordinate care, provide therapeutic plans, distribute supplies, and offer humanitarian aid.

In addition, ELEM operates trained outreach teams who connect with youth in strip clubs, apartments, public parks, websites, and online platforms. These teams use discreet first contact to build relationships with young people who may not seek help on their own.

HaLev is also expanding efforts to support young mothers and help them access services like child development centers and day care.

Expansion

With your support, ELEM aims to:

Recruit 80 new volunteers, including program alumni
Launch a dedicated Outreach Van unit at Tel Aviv’s Central Bus Station
Deepen outreach in HaZikaron Park in Haifa
Continue integrating art and drama therapy to help youth process emotional distress