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House of Ruth is the most experienced provider of housing and services to women and children who are homeless and abused in Washington, DC. WHO WE SERVE
__--_House of Ruth serves women, children and families in the nation's capital who are facing the most severe problems with the fewest resources. Driving the challenges in their lives (homelessness, domestic violence, mental health problems, addiction, poverty) is the repeated, sustained trauma of countless experiences of abuse, beginning in childhood and persisting to the present. These horrible experiences are severely damaging to people.
__--_The women are literally homeless when they come to us. Many are in recovery from substance abuse. Few have the job skills to earn a living wage. All have been hurt by domestic violence, beginning in childhood. The children have been in raised in chaotic, dangerous surroundings. Many have been separated from their mothers for months or years at a time. Nearly all were developmentally delayed and have emotional and behavioral problems. Some have permanent learning disabilities.
__--_Despite all these strikes against them, the women, children and families have great courage, resiliency and the determination to learn and adopt a new way of life. At House of Ruth, we give them the opportunity to do just that.
PROVIDING FAMILIES WITH TOOLS AND A PLACE TO THRIVE
__--_Forty-five families, including nearly 150 children, live at five House of Ruth residences: FamilySpace, Freedom Place, Herspace, Reunified Families and Three Sisters. They receive many services organized to meet the needs of each family member. The children attend school or day care and receive extensive counseling and mentoring from volunteers. The mothers pursue an active schedule of recovery work, positive child-rearing and learning the skills for living independently. A major focus for every mother is acquiring the education and skills necessary to qualify for a job that will pay a living wage and benefits.
__--_ A sixth home for families, Hope Rising, opened in November, 2005, the 12 additional families served are headed by a woman who is homeless as a result of domestic violence and dealing with mental illness.
WORKING WITH WOMEN TOWARD SELF-SUFFICIENCY
__--_The Madison Emergency Program and The Empowerment Center meet the immediate needs of women who are homeless, serving 64 women daily. Our staff engages these women, helps them connect to other resources in the community and encourages them to participate in more extensive services such as our transitional living programs. At New Beginnings, New Pathways and Unity, 45 women live and pursue a highly structured schedule of groups, activities and interactions in order to work toward their goals. A major focus is helping the women build the capabilities and skills to cope in a healthy way, manage their mental illness and avoid addiction.
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