ABOUT RUTH ELLIS CENTER

Ruth Ellis Center operates three programs:

Second Stories, our Street Outreach Program and Drop-Center serves youth and young adults ages 14 to 24.
The Ruth’s House has two residential programs, serving LGBTQ youth in need of safe and supportive living conditions. The transitional living program serves young adults 16 to 21; Young people ages 12 to 17 are served through a semi-independent living program.

The administrative offices and Drop-in Center are located at 77 Victor St. in Highland Park. The Center, founded in 1999, is a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit organization and receives funding from individuals, foundations, corporations, community groups, faith-based organizations and government.

Highlights

About Ruth Ellis (1899-2000)

Ruth Ellis lived in Detroit from 1938 until her death in 2000. She opened her home to the community on the weekends as a safe space from the 1940s through the 1960s, a time when African-American gay men and lesbians had few social venues.
Ruth also personally assisted young people with money for college, books, and food. She unselfishly gave everything that she had to whomever needed it.
In the 1970s, Ruth moved into senior housing. Through a chance meeting in a self-defense class, Ruth made a connection to a group of younger women who embraced Ruth’s courage and pioneering efforts in living a happy life amidst great adversities.

For further reading

Contact information

Administrative Offices: 313.252.1950
Second Stories 313.867.6936
Fax: 313.865.3372