Ruth Ellis Center

Mission: To create opportunities with LGBTQ+ young people to build their vision for a positive future.

Ruth Ellis Center has earned a national reputation for quality and innovation in providing trauma-informed services for homeless, runaway and at-risk lesbian, gay, bi-attractional, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth and young adults of color. What began as a 500-square-foot safe space in Highland Park, MI is now a multi-faceted organization, operating four facilities spanning Highland Park and Detroit.

At Ruth Ellis Center, we’re dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth with tailored programs and services. From housing and healthcare to education and advocacy, we provide a safe space where every young person can thrive. We are known for our unique approach to providing outreach and safety-net services, skill-building workshops, and HIV prevention programs.

Ruth Ellis Center operates the following core programs and services:

• Health Equity and Outreach – We designed this program so young LGBTQ+ people can easily and quickly find assistance and support. Whether you need our Drop-in Center, Peer Support, Center for Lesbian and Queer Women and Girls (CLQ), or HIV prevention, our top priority is to ensure your personal choices and authentic self-expression are celebrated here in a safe and affirming environment.
• Health and Wellness Center – Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness Centers are Integrated Healthcare clinics that offer primary care, medical services, behavioral health services, psychiatry, and health navigation.
• Housing – Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) at Ruth Ellis Center provides rental and utility assistance, case management, lease-up support, and other services to help LGBTQ+ young people obtain and maintain safe and stable housing.
• Thriving Futures – Thriving Futures combines education and employment resources for young people with diversity and inclusion training for workforce partners to support the unique identities and experiences of LGBTQ+ employees.
• Ruth Ellis Institute – The Ruth Ellis Institute follows an embedded model of activism that supports service providers and administrations in identifying and overcoming their most significant challenges in welcoming and serving LGBTQ+ children, youth, and their families. The Institute also trains practitioners to implement evidence-informed interventions from REC’s research and evaluation work under the Federal Children’s Bureau.