The Community Development Plan (CDP) of the HWC is based on the belief that pooling a community's resources and efforts is the basis for sustainable development and empowerment of community members.

The CDP supports communities until they are self-reliant development actors, usually a committment for several years. The projects supported are therefore the result of long-term cooperation and consultation with community institutions and focus groups.

The CDP aims to create a deep social transformation in the communities and make them self-sustainable. Although it will not act contrary to communities wishes, it actively tries to improve the position of marginalized community members.

Prior to interventions, the HWC learns about local history, socio-economic conditions, formal and informal leadership and other information that is important for development for change.

Community Development Plan - Bethlehem

The Community Development Plan Bethlehem is active in the villages of Hussan, Battir, Wadi Fuqin and Jabaa. It has successfully assisted the local communities for the past six years and will expand to additional villages, eventually covering the whole area of West-Bethlehem.

Community contributions make up 30% of the budget. After six years the communities are now actively involved in independently planning and implementing projects.

The participation of women and other marginalized community members in the villages' public life has increased considerably. These results indicate that the communities are undergoing the social transformation the CPD aims to achieve.