Whenever I speak to community groups about Ruth’s House and the needs of our residents I end up talking about some of the myths associated with our community at Ruth’s House and our supporting community.  I would like to share with you one of these myths and the facts associated with the myth.

Myth:  Most of the residents at Ruth’s House do not work and do not have a work history.

Most of the women at Ruth’s House are transitioning from a two-income situation to having to live on their own with one income.  This is no small challenge and the residents and staff at Ruth’s House actively work on this challenge.  We work with our residents at Ruth’s House to identify their educational and employment goals and connect them with educational opportunities, job training programs, and employment resources in the community. Education and employment are powerful tools that can help break the cycle of homelessness and create a pathway to self-sufficiency.

The unemployment rate in Rice County is now estimated to be 3% compared to the long-term rate of about 4.53%.  This very low unemployment rate means that almost everyone who can work has work opportunities.  The key is to find work that pays well enough to support your family.  This often means that additional education or training is needed and Ruth’s House staff help our residents to complete their education if needed or to start on a new educational pathway.  All of this is hard work especially when you have small children or you are in crisis.  We are very proud of our Ruth’s House residents who rise to this challenge day after day in the face of great adversity.