The Ruth Ellis Center is named in honor of the life and work of Ruth Ellis, who was respected and loved for her longevity and endurance as one of Detroit’s oldest and proudest African-American lesbians, for being the first woman in the City of Detroit to own her own printing company, and for her many years of service to all people in need.

Over an 18-year history, REC has established 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.

Services include emergency food, clothing and supplies; 24/7 access to emergency shelter; HIV testing and counseling; peer support groups; positive youth development programs, and; mental health and case management services for homeless LGBTQ youth 7-24 years of age.

The primary outreach and interventions are coordinated through the Second Stories Drop In Center using a team-centered approach. REC also operates a five-bed foster care home for LGBTQ youth licensed by the state of Michigan. A license for a semi-independent living program is currently under review.