Mission & History
Founded in 1976, House of Ruth empowers women, children and families to rebuild their lives and heal from trauma, abuse and houselessness. Our continuum of services encompasses enriched housing for families and single women, trauma-informed childcare, and free counseling to empower anyone who is a survivor of trauma and abuse.
Mission: House of Ruth empowers women, children and families to rebuild their lives and heal from trauma, abuse and houselessness.
Click here to Discover our journey and explore the significant milestones we’ve achieved over the past five decades.
Our Founder
Dr. Veronica Maz, PhD, a Georgetown University sociology professor, founded House of Ruth in 1976. Her life-changing visit to Washington, D.C.’s “Skid Row” was the catalyst for the first shelter for women experiencing houselessness in our city.
House of Ruth Milestones
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2026House of Ruth celebrates our 50th anniversary! Throughout the decades, we have expanded to meet the needs of the women, children, and families of Washington, D.C. From supportive housing to therapeutic childcare to counseling, our next chapter—affordable housing—brings it all together.
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2025House of Ruth acquires Swann Street, an 8-unit affordable housing property in Northwest Washington, D.C. The property introduces a new model that bridges the gap between program housing and independent affordable housing—ensuring families have a clear path to long-term stability and success for future generations.
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2021The brand-new facility for Kidspace Child and Family Development Center opens—thanks to a successful capital campaign with support from our donors.
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2012
House of Ruth operates 11 housing programs for single women and families experiencing domestic violence or houselessness. These programs have dedicated full-time staff and wrap-around services.
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2005House of Ruth opens the Domestic Violence Support Center, the only no insurance required, no payment required, unlimited outpatient counseling center for domestic abuse survivors in the region.
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1998House of Ruth opens the Domestic Violence Support Center, the only no insurance required, no payment required, unlimited outpatient counseling center for domestic abuse survivors in the region.
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1990Kidspace Child and Family Development Center opens offering year-round, free developmental childcare and supportive services to children (ages six weeks to five years old) and parents living in Washington, D.C.
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1986Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, and Robin Williams team up to launch Comic Relief, a comedy special dedicated to raising awareness and funds to address houselessness across the U.S. They select House of Ruth to be the first to receive a donation and a personal visit.
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1984House of Ruth Van Run Outreach begins bringing food, clothing, blankets, shelter, referrals, and caring personal attention to houseless individuals on the streets.
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1976Founded by Dr. Veronica Maz, PhD, House of Ruth opens as the first homeless shelter for women in Washington, D.C. On the first night, we gave shelter to eight women in a row house on Massachusetts Avenue.
