Ruth Ellis Center
Ruth Ellis Center is a Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers integrated housing, primary and behavioral healthcare, and social services to LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-30 across four facilities in Highland Park and Detroit, funded by grants, government contracts, and donations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersHighland Park, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Ruth Ellis Center does
Ruth Ellis Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 in Highland Park, Michigan, that provides an integrated continuum of housing, healthcare, behavioral health, and social services to LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-30, with a stated focus on youth of color experiencing homelessness or barriers to health and wellbeing. The organization operates four facilities spanning Highland Park and Detroit, anchored by the Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center — a 43-unit permanent supportive housing facility developed in partnership with Full Circle Communities — and Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness Centers, which deliver on-site primary care, behavioral health, psychiatry, and health navigation through a partnership with Henry Ford Health that integrates EPIC electronic medical records. Six integrated program areas comprise the operating model: Health Equity & Outreach (drop-in center, HIV prevention, Center for Lesbian and Queer Women and Girls), Health & Wellness Centers, Housing (Clairmount Center plus scattered-site permanent supportive housing via Detroit's Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project with HUD), Thriving Futures (education and employment pathways), Ruth Ellis Institute (statewide SOGIE training and consulting under contract with MDHHS), and the VOICES of Ruth Ellis Center podcast.
The underlying technology stack is conventional and service-delivery oriented: EPIC EMR through the Henry Ford Health partnership, Network for Good for donation processing, Paycor for HR/recruiting, and standard podcast distribution platforms. The organization's technology is not a source of differentiation; rather, its competitive position rests on its integrated clinical and housing partnerships, CARF accreditation, Charity Navigator 4-star rating, GuideStar Platinum Seal, and brand heritage tied to its namesake Ruth Ellis (1899-2001), a recognized Detroit LGBTQ+ icon.
The business model is a hybrid nonprofit revenue structure comprising foundation grants (e.g., $250,000 from TD Charitable Foundation in 2022), government contracts (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for statewide SOGIE training and child welfare services; HUD via Detroit's Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project), individual donations (one-time, recurring, and employer match via Network for Good), and event fundraising (signature annual event Catfight Against the Crown). All direct services to youth are provided at no cost, and pricing is not applicable; revenue flows instead from institutional funders and donors to support program operations. Go-to-market is community-led, reaching youth through drop-in centers, community-based outreach, partner referrals (Detroit Continuum of Care coordinated entry), and the website, while the Institute reaches human services organizations and child welfare agencies through training request forms and quarterly registration under MDHHS contract.
Ruth Ellis Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ruth Ellis Center
- Legal name
- Ruth Ellis Center
- Website
- https://ruthelliscenter.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Ruth Ellis Center is a Michigan-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers integrated housing, primary and behavioral healthcare, and social services to LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-30 across four facilities in Highland Park and Detroit, funded by grants, government contracts, and donations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ruth Ellis Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Social Services
- NAICS
- Community Housing Services (62422), Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420), Other Residential Care Facilities (6239)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Community Health & Health Equity/Social Determinants Units (HLAJAAAO)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Housing & Placement Coordination (Assisted Living, Memory Care, SNF) (HSABAIAL)
Keywords
Where Ruth Ellis Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Highland Park
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Ruth Ellis Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Foundation Grants: The organization receives grant funding from charitable foundations to support housing and services for LGBTQ+ homeless youth. Grants are used to provide eviction prevention, housing search assistance, and critical services.
- Government Contracts: Ruth Ellis Institute has secured statewide contracts with MDHHS (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) Children's Services Administration to implement training and services in child welfare systems.
- Individual Donations: The organization accepts one-time and recurring donations from individual supporters through its website and fundraising events.
- Event Fundraising: Special events like Catfight Against the Crown generate ticket revenue while also raising awareness and supporting the organization's mission.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Ruth Ellis Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ruth Ellis Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides trauma-informed services for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-30. Its integrated service model spans a drop-in center (Health Equity & Outreach), the Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness Centers (operated in partnership with Henry Ford Health), a continuum of housing from emergency beds to permanent supportive housing, and the Thriving Futures employment program. The Ruth Ellis Institute additionally delivers statewide SOGIE training and consulting for human service organizations.
Product overview
Ruth Ellis Center is a multi-faceted nonprofit organization providing a continuum of programs for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness and barriers to health and wellbeing. The organization operates four facilities in Highland Park and Detroit, Michigan, offering six integrated program areas: Health Equity & Outreach (drop-in center and HIV prevention), Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness Centers (integrated primary and behavioral healthcare), Housing (permanent supportive housing including the 43-unit Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center), Thriving Futures (education and employment services), Ruth Ellis Institute (training and consulting), and the VOICES podcast. Programs are grounded in trauma-informed care, restorative justice, harm reduction, and positive youth development principles, with services provided in partnership with Henry Ford Health, Full Circle Communities, MDHHS, and other organizations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness Centers: Integrated Healthcare clinics offering primary care, medical services, behavioral health services, psychiatry, and health navigation in partnership with Henry Ford Health.
- Ruth Ellis Institute
- Thriving Futures
- Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center
- Center for Lesbian and Queer Women and Girls (CLQ)
- VOICES of Ruth Ellis Center
Products and services
- Health Equity & Outreach Program
- Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness Centers
- Housing Program
- Thriving Futures
- Ruth Ellis Institute
Quantifiable outcome
- 97% housing stability rate achieved since 2022
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Ruth Ellis Center
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Ruth Ellis Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration10 records
Feature1 record
Ruth Ellis Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Henry Ford HealthcoreHealthcare partnership launched in 2016 to provide integrated primary care, behavioral health services, psychiatry, and health navigation at Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness Centers. Henry Ford Health places dedicated staff specializing in pediatrics, family medicine, infectious diseases, and psychiatry. Also provides EPIC electronic medical records technology integration.
- Full Circle CommunitiescorePartnership to develop Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center, a 43-unit supportive housing facility for LGBTQ+ young people. Full Circle Communities provides development expertise for the housing project.
- National SOGIE CentermajorRuth Ellis Institute partners with National SOGIE Center to utilize resources and better inform content for youth and young adults with diverse SOGIE and their families across care systems, including Children's Protective Services.
- MDHHS (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)coreSince February 2023, Ruth Ellis Institute has been working with MDHHS to facilitate statewide training on SOGIE, SOGIE data collection, and providing evidence-based support group services for youth with diverse SOGIE. Also secured contract with MDHHS Children's Services Administration to implement Journey Ahead training and services in child welfare.
- Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN)majorDWIHN provides funding and oversight for the only art therapy program in Detroit-Wayne County community mental health systems, featuring a full art studio for at-risk young people.
- Detroit Continuum of CaremajorPartnership with Detroit Continuum of Care for coordinated entry system and housing placement services following the Coordinated Assessment Model for Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.
- University of MichiganminorPartnership to assess LGBTQ+ community needs and available resources to guide future programming initiatives.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves1 record
Expansion highlights6 records
Ruth Ellis Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Howard Brown Health: Chicago-based LGBTQ+ focused Federally Qualified Health Center providing primary care, behavioral health, and housing services. Comparable to Ruth Ellis Center in integrating LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare with housing and social services, but operates as a larger clinical enterprise.
- Fenway Health: Boston-based community health center specializing in LGBTQ+ care, including primary care, behavioral health, and youth programs. Comparable to Ruth Ellis Center in integrated LGBTQ+ healthcare delivery, though at substantially larger scale and broader population.
- Los Angeles LGBT Center: One of the largest LGBTQ+ community centers in the world, providing housing, healthcare, mental health, and youth services. Comparable to Ruth Ellis Center in integrated LGBTQ+ services model, but operates at significantly larger scale and broader demographic scope.
Emerging players
- Point Source Youth: National organization focused on advancing innovative solutions to LGBTQ+ youth homelessness through research, advocacy, and direct service partnerships. Comparable to Ruth Ellis Center's Ruth Ellis Institute training/consulting arm in shaping systems of care.
Others
- PFLAG: National organization supporting LGBTQ+ people, families, and allies through chapter-based peer support, advocacy, and education. Adjacent to Ruth Ellis Center's family support and community education work, though focused on family/caregiver networks rather than direct youth services.
Direct peers
- Ali Forney Center: Largest organization in the U.S. dedicated to LGBTQ+ homeless youth, providing housing, healthcare, and wraparound services in New York City. Directly comparable to Ruth Ellis Center in mission (LGBTQ+ youth homelessness), integrated service model (housing + healthcare), and target population.
- True Colors United: National organization working to prevent and end homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth. Comparable to Ruth Ellis Center through its singular focus on LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and training/consulting work with systems of care.
- SMYAL: Washington, D.C. nonprofit offering housing, mental health, and education programs for LGBTQ+ youth. Direct peer to Ruth Ellis Center in integrating housing and behavioral health services for the same demographic.
- Hetrick-Martin Institute: New York-based nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 with housing, healthcare, education, and career services. Closely comparable to Ruth Ellis Center across the full continuum of LGBTQ+ youth services and demographic focus.
- The Trevor Project: National organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ young people. Comparable to Ruth Ellis Center through its focused mission on LGBTQ+ youth wellbeing and national fundraising reach.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Ruth Ellis Center social profiles
Digital presenceRuth Ellis Center compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Ruth Ellis Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ruth Ellis Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Ruth Ellis Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ruth Ellis Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ruth Ellis Center
What does Ruth Ellis Center do?
Ruth Ellis Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides trauma-informed services for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-30. Its integrated service model spans a drop-in center (Health Equity & Outreach), the Ruth Ellis Health & Wellness Centers (operated in partnership with Henry Ford Health), a continuum of housing from emergency beds to permanent supportive housing, and the Thriving Futures employment program. The Ruth Ellis Institute additionally delivers statewide SOGIE training and consulting for human service organizations.
Is Ruth Ellis Center a public or private company?
Ruth Ellis Center is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Ruth Ellis Center founded?
Ruth Ellis Center was founded in 1999. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Ruth Ellis Center based?
Ruth Ellis Center is headquartered in Highland Park, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ruth Ellis Center make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Foundation Grants are the primary driver. The others are government Contracts, individual Donations and event Fundraising.
Who are Ruth Ellis Center's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Howard Brown Health, Fenway Health and Los Angeles LGBT Center. Point Source Youth is listed as an emerging player. PFLAG is listed as an others. Direct peers are Ali Forney Center, True Colors United, SMYAL, Hetrick-Martin Institute and The Trevor Project.
Does Ruth Ellis Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ruth Ellis Center.
What industry is Ruth Ellis Center in?
Ruth Ellis Center's product category is Youth Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAJAAAO, Community Health & Health Equity/Social Determinants Units, with a secondary code of HSABAIAL, Housing & Placement Coordination (Assisted Living, Memory Care, SNF). Its NAICS code is 62422 and its SIC code is 8300.