Our History
The Founding Mothers: (L-R) Georganne Danielson, Kate Monson, Jan Sinna, Elgie Cloutier, Patti Fritz, Ruth Hickey, Yvette Marthaler
Ruth’s House opened in 2004 in response to an unmet need for safe shelter for homeless women and children in Rice County, Minnesota. A group of women called the Founding Mothers gathered together with a vision in 2003, and less than a year later Ruth’s House — named after the Biblical Ruth — opened its doors in Faribault.
Since opening in 2004, Ruth’s House has served over 1,200 women and their children in its transitional shelter and in its off-campus permanent supportive housing units.
Who Is Ruth?
The biblical Ruth faced poverty and homelessness as well. Through faith, hard work and loyalty to those she loved, she gained a solid footing again. This story reminds us that we all need support at some point in our lives, especially in periods of uncertainty and transition.
Our House
Ruth’s House – the actual house that serves as the emergency/transitional shelter – is a neoclassical mansion built by Cassius Buck, a noted local banker and politician, in the 1890s. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places.
“Ruth’s House to me means a safe place for me and my baby to lay our heads down at night. It means a fresh start from the turmoil in my life. It gives me a chance to give my baby the kind of childhood I want her to have. On any given day you will hear me say Ruth’s House has saved my life physically and spiritually.”