Survivors at Risk of Homelessness

Over the last 45 years House of Ruth has become one of the leading domestic violence agencies in the region, serving and advocating for individuals impacted by domestic violence. According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, “Approximately 50% of all women who are homeless report that doestic violence was the immediate cause of their homelessness.” Additionally, on a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide (NCADV, 2020). Intimate partner violence continues plaguing our communities, causing physical, financial, and mental harm to individuals in abusive relationships.

House of Ruth’s Housing Program offers rapid re-housing and homeless prevention supportive services to survivors of domestic violence and their families. Through several private and government grants, the housing team aids individuals with rental subsidies, move-in costs, relocation, utility assistance, furniture, and appliance assistance, and serves as a liaison between landlords and clients, advocating for those with low or no credit, past evictions, and limited income. Additionally, our Housing Department offers in-home counseling, case management, and financial planning.

After receiving a 6-month rental subsidy and case management services through House of Ruth, not only did Rachel obtain fulltime employment, but she saved enough money to purchase the mobile home she was renting. Rachel was able to reunite with her children and offer them a safe home. Housing Navigator, Walter Solorzano says, “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing individuals open the door to their home for the first time. That against all odds, they finally have a place to call home.”

One of the greatest accomplishments the housing team has achieved, aside from housing survivors of domestic violence, is partnering with over 300 landlords and establishing strong relationships to ensure units are immediately available to our clients. Last year, 96 families were housed through our Housing Program. Housing Services Manager, Annette Gonzalez, says, “Housing is a human right; everyone deserves to feel safe.“