50 Years of Hope, Healing, and Empowerment
Since 1976, House of Ruth has provided domestic violence supportive for women and families rebuilding their lives after trauma and abuse. As we mark our 50th Anniversary, we celebrate the lives transformed, the supporters who make our work possible, and the next chapter of safe housing, counseling, and childcare for our community.
For five decades, your support has provided safe housing, counseling, and childcare for survivors of domestic violence.
Women, children, and families provided safe and service-enriched housing.
Domestic violence survivors provided no-cost mental health counseling through the Domestic Violence Support Center.
Children and parents provided trauma-informed child development services at Kidspace Child and Family Development Center.
Community members educated and connected through health fairs, trainings, seminars, and more.
Our Mission in Action
Housing Support Services
Child and Family Development Center
Mental Health Counseling
Honoring Our Past
Sharing Our Future.
Explore the people, programs, and moments that shaped our first 50 years—and discover what lies ahead.
Where Does Your Story Begin?
You all have played a vital role in House of Ruth still being here and deepening our work 50 years later. Thank you!
We invite you to share your House of Ruth story—the inspiration behind your generosity, and why you continue to include us in the difference you make.
Submit your story by completing the form below or email to development@houseofruth.org
1976
Founded by Dr. Veronica Maz, PhD, House of Ruth opened as the first homeless shelter for women in Washington, DC. On its first night, eight women found safety in a row house on Massachusetts Avenue.
1984
House of Ruth launches the Van Run Outreach program, providing food, clothing, blankets, referrals, and compassionate support to individuals experiencing houselessness across the community.
1986
Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, and Robin Williams launch Comic Relief, a national comedy special raising awareness and funds to address houselessness across the U.S. House of Ruth is selected as the first organization to receive a donation and a personal visit.
1990
Kidspace Child and Family Development Center opens, providing year-round, free childcare and family support services to children (ages six weeks to five years) and their parents in Washington, DC.
1998
House of Ruth opens the Domestic Violence Support Center, the region’s only outpatient counseling center offering free, unlimited services with no insurance required for survivors of domestic violence.
2005
House of Ruth opens its sixth family housing program, Hope Rising, providing long-term, service-enriched housing for 12 families experiencing houselessness.
2012
House of Ruth operates 11 housing programs supporting single women and families experiencing domestic violence or houselessness, with dedicated staff and wraparound services.
2021
A new Kidspace Child and Family Development Center facility opens, made possible by a successful capital campaign and the support of donors.
2025
House of Ruth acquires Swann Street, an 8-unit affordable housing property in Northwest Washington, DC, introducing a new model that bridges the gap between program housing and independent living.
2026
House of Ruth celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking decades of expanding support for women, children, and families across Washington, DC. From safe housing and child and family support to counseling services, the next chapter—affordable housing—brings it all together.
The Need For Support Continues — And So Do We.
Our trauma-informed programs provide domestic violence support services tailored to the needs of every woman, child, and family—helping them build safe, independent, and sustainable lives. Over time, we have continued to adapt and expand our support services to meet the evolving needs of survivors. As we look ahead, new challenges continue to emerge. Domestic violence and houselessness increase during periods of economic instability, driving a growing need for safe housing, counseling, and family support services.
Our partnership with Medstar Georgetown University Hospital brings clinical expertise onsite at Kidspace Child and Family Development Center. Our wellness clinicians provide services to children, parents and teachers.
Our commitment to mental health and wellness through the Domestic Violence Support Center will expand services in our housing programs, reduce the waitlist for 1:1 counseling, and deepen our collaboration with fellow nonprofits.
In our pursuit to empower survivors to lead independent lives, we have launched a premier affordable housing initiative. With one 8-unit building already opened and housing tenants, we look forward to our capital campaign to build a 40-unit building in Ward 8.
