RUTH'S HOUSE WOMEN'S SHELTER
A safe space for Women of African descent who are facing domestic violence and family crisis.
What is Ruth’s House Emergency Shelter?
Ruth’s House Emergency Shelter is a safe, confidential, and culturally responsive haven for women and children fleeing domestic violence, abuse, and unsafe living situations.
Located in Calgary, Alberta, Ruth’s House provides temporary accommodation, crisis intervention, trauma-informed counselling, safety planning, and individualized wraparound support to help women and children heal, regain stability, and rebuild their lives.
Our shelter specializes in supporting African, Black, immigrant, refugee, and ethnocultural communities by providing services that respect their cultural identities, languages, values, and lived experiences.
Beyond providing a safe place to stay, Ruth’s House empowers women and families through housing assistance, settlement support, community connections, and access to essential resources that promote independence and long-term well-being.
Our Mission: To provide a safe and welcoming environment where women and children can find refuge, experience healing, restore hope, and transition toward a life free from violence.
Ruth’s House — A Home Away From Home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Ruth’s House Emergency Shelter?
Ruth’s House Emergency Shelter is a safe, confidential, and culturally responsive shelter in Calgary, Alberta, providing temporary accommodation and wraparound support for women and children experiencing domestic violence, abuse, or unsafe living situations.
2. Who can access Ruth’s House Emergency Shelter?
Our emergency shelter primarily supports women and children fleeing domestic violence, particularly those from African, Black, immigrant, refugee, and other ethnocultural communities.
3. Is Ruth’s House Emergency Shelter free?
Emergency shelter accommodation and essential support services are provided at no cost to eligible residents.
4. How long can someone stay at Ruth’s House?
The emergency shelter generally provides short-term accommodation for up to 30 days. Extensions may be considered depending on individual circumstances, safety concerns, and availability.
5. Do I need a referral to access the shelter?
Individuals can contact Ruth’s House directly to discuss their circumstances and request shelter. Referrals may also come from community organizations, social workers, hospitals, and other service providers. Admission is subject to eligibility and available space.
6. Can I bring my children?
Yes. Ruth’s House provides a family-friendly environment where women can stay with their children while receiving support to rebuild their lives.
7. What services are available to residents?
Residents can receive crisis intervention, safety planning, culturally responsive counselling, case management, housing navigation, settlement assistance, and referrals to legal, financial, employment, and community resources.
8. Is Ruth’s House only for African women?
Ruth’s House specializes in culturally responsive services for African and ethnocultural communities. Our approach emphasizes dignity, inclusion, cultural understanding, and respect.
9. Is the shelter location confidential?
Yes. The shelter's location is kept confidential to protect the safety and privacy of residents.
10. What should I bring when coming to the shelter?
Where safe and possible, residents are encouraged to bring identification, medications, important documents, clothing, and essential personal belongings. However, personal safety should always come first. Do not delay leaving an unsafe situation to collect belongings.
11. Does Ruth’s House provide food and basic necessities?
Yes. Residents are supported with essential daily living needs, including food, personal hygiene items, and basic household necessities.
12. Can residents receive counselling and emotional support?
Yes. Ruth’s House provides access to trauma-informed and culturally responsive mental health support to help individuals process their experiences and begin their healing journey.
13. Does Ruth’s House help residents find permanent housing?
Yes. Our team works with residents to explore safe and sustainable housing options, access community housing resources, and prepare for independent living.
14. Can someone access support without staying at the shelter?
Yes, Ruth’s House also provides community-based support programs through our In-Home Programs. Individuals who do not require emergency accommodation may be referred to appropriate services.
15. What happens after someone leaves the emergency shelter?
Depending on their needs, individuals may receive referrals and continued support through housing navigation, counselling, community resources, and transitional housing programs such as Kensington House, subject to eligibility and availability.
16. Can pregnant women or mothers with newborn babies stay at Ruth’s House?
Yes. Pregnant women and mothers with newborn babies can access the shelter, subject to eligibility and available accommodation.
17. How many family members can stay together?
Yes, Ruth’s House can accommodate families of up to five members, including up to two adult women, depending on available space.
18. Can residents bring pets?
No. Pets are not permitted at Ruth’s House Emergency Shelter.
19. What is expected of residents during their stay?
Residents are expected to respect house rules, maintain cleanliness, participate in household responsibilities, prepare their meals, and engage in weekly programs and support activities.
20. What happens when someone arrives at the shelter?
An intake worker welcomes the resident, completes an intake assessment, helps them settle in, and connects them with a caseworker. Residents receive essential supplies and access to appropriate support services.