After spending six months at the Elizabeth Gregory Home (EGH), Ruthie Ringler is back on her feet with a new job and a permanent home for her and her son.
"They've given me a chance to sit back, take a deep breath and get all my ducks in a row," she said. "It's been amazing."
Ringler's success story is just one of many touched by staff at EGH, a transitional housing and drop-in center for homeless women.
MAKING A HOME
The home celebrated its first anniversary just last month, although the idea behind the home began in 1999. University Lutheran Church's social ministry committee conducted a survey of homelessness in the area and found more than 300 women without a warm bed to sleep in at night.
"At first, we thought about building a shelter," said Carol Bridges, president of the EGH board of directors and a church member. "But a shelter didn't end homelessness. People had to leave, and then what would they do? We wanted the women to feel like part of a community that wasn't just a place to live - it was a home."
The church started a home in its basement, remodeling to create space for up to eight beds, a living room, library and conference center. A lack of funding, however, forced them to come up with alternative ideas.
"We didn't think we were going to be able to open at all, and then out of the blue, the apartment complex across the street said they would rent out a floor of the building. It was exactly what we needed," Bridges said.
A 'FULL CIRCLE OF CARE'
The Royal Manor Apartments, a division of University Housing, is home to University of Washington students living on the second, third and fourth floors, and 11 EGH women live on the first.
Each bedroom is equipped with its own bathroom and shares a living room and kitchen with up to four additional roommates.
The home is staffed around the clock. A case manager and volunteer mentors also track the residents' progress on a weekly basis, providing yet another outlet of encouragement for the women.
Residents typically stay anywhere from six months to two years; however, there is no set time limit as long as the residents are actively pursuing their goals.
With the basement of University Lutheran Church still open, EGH was also able to open its own drop-in center last summer.
"We asked EGH residents about the do's and don'ts of drop-in centers. We really wanted it to be an active base for moving on," said program administrator Jamie Lee.
Requiring a lot less remodeling, the center immediately opened seven days a week, serving daily breakfast along with two hot meals Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
The drop-in center also provides phone and Internet access, as well as laundry services and a permanent mailing address for any woman who needs it.
"A lot of my passion for homelessness and women [is thinking] I could be that person," Lee said. "We really want to be a full circle of care."
CASINO-NIGHT FUND-RAISER
On Nov. 10 EGH is offering a way for the community to help the organization as well, with a night of fantasy casino games at the University Christian Church, 4731 15th Ave. N.E.
The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes $30,000 worth of gaming script, a raffle, drinks and hors d'oeuvres.
Tickets are $50 apiece, with all proceeds directly benefiting the women of EGH. Tickets are available at the door or by contacting Lee, at 729-0262.
"It's a great way to get involved and put the 'fun' back in fund-raising. The more the merrier," Lee said.
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