Ruth’s Place, established in 2003, provides 24-hour lodging and services to women experiencing homelessness in the area. Ruth’s Place not only offers emergency shelter, but an environment where women are supported and encouraged. It provides the bricks and mortar for well-being: a safe home, social relationships, healthy food, access to personal hygiene equipment and supplies, and connections to jobs and opportunities to build life skills. To encourage stabilization and self-sufficiency, Ruth’s Place provides extensive on-site individualized and group supportive services.

Using evidence-based practices including a Housing First model, the program provides safe, temporary, and short-term emergency shelter for women experiencing homelessness; coordinates with other service providers and volunteers to provide services that address the basic physical, financial, health, and spiritual needs of those we serve; and assists women to form and follow a permanent housing plan to quickly achieve stable, long-term housing. In addition to service coordination, women who rely on Ruth’s Place have access to the shelter’s handicap-accessible facilities and equipment. The shelter provides access to laundry services, showers, bathrooms, food storage and preparation spaces, internet, computer, and telephone access, and all the other amenities of a “home”.

Program Eligibility

A phone assessment is required as the first point of contact to ensure that Ruth’s Place is the correct placement for you. To determine eligibility, call 570.822.6817 for immediate assistance. 

You may be eligible for shelter at Ruth’s Place if you identify as a woman, are over 18 years of age, are currently located in Luzerne County, and meet the HUD standard definition of homelessness (lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and/or fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence). 

Service Area: Luzerne County

Program Services

• 24/7 emergency shelter and hotline for service navigation
• Low barrier shelter model
• Personalized case management, referrals, and housing planning
• Life skills development through educational and support groups
• On-site access to local social service providers and other supports
• Access to laundry, showers, kitchen, telephone, internet, etc.
• Direct support including transportation, food bank access, personal care supplies, etc.
• Long-term support via Aftercare Case Management
• Access to a Community Health Worker for individuals with complex medical concerns• All services delivered at zero cost