06/04/2015
Dear House of Ruth Supporter:
It is with deep sadness that the House of Ruth announces it must close its doors, effectively immediately. Regrettably, the organization is no longer financially able to offer the important services it provided for 28 years.
As you know, the House of Ruth has worked to help homeless or imminently homeless families stabilize their lives through transitional housing and employment. Rental assistance, child-care payments and transportation are some of the resources families need to regain self-sufficiency. The House of Ruth, located in the Arthur Monday Multi-Service Center in Algiers, has worked diligently over the years to provide these critically needed services and to enable families to get back on their feet.
In addition, House of Ruth operated a Learning Center to offer clients computer literacy and job skills training. Our efforts were successful: we helped more than 4,000 people. More than 98 percent of our clients remained in the same or better housing six months after completing our three-month program, and more than 75 percent obtained employment while in the program. Community members generously supported families in need through the House of Ruth’s Adopt-A-Family program, bestowing resources and gifts at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For the past year, the board has tried to maintain some level of services by cutting back hours of operation, decreasing staff and seeking other funding sources; however, it has not been enough to sustain the organization. The difficult nature of the funding landscape for all non-profits has certainly contributed to the current unfortunate position. Before Hurricane Katrina, House of Ruth had stable funding through federal and city sources, much of which has been severely reduced or eliminated. Our donor base was also negatively affected by Hurricane Katrina and the recession.
Additionally, House of Ruth suffered a major setback in 2007-2008 when an embezzlement resulted in the loss of a substantial sum of money. While the former employee and her accomplices were found guilty in a criminal case, the organization has only been able to recoup a small portion of the money lost.
The decision to close the doors after 28 years was an agonizing one for the board of directors, who made every attempt to regain solvency and put the organization on solid financial ground. We have been supported by people and organizations that have worked with us, often pro bono, to help us through this difficult time. We thank them, and everyone who has supported the organization over the years.
We deeply regret that House of Ruth will no longer be able to continue our mission of assisting families, but we take comfort in what we accomplished over almost three decades. Because we know that our community has many individuals and families who still need help, we suggest referrals to Unity and to VIA Cope line.
If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts, please email [email protected],
Sincerely,
House of Ruth Board of Directors
The mission of the House of Ruth is to provide housing and support services to homeless or near-homeless women and families.
