Hands reaching toward a glowing key
Fund the Journey

Choose a Need,
Change a Life

Every donation directly funds a veteran family's journey through our Foundations for Home™ curriculum — from crisis to keys.

Phase 1

Stabilize

0-90 Days: Emergency HousingHelp a veteran family get off the streets and into safe housing immediately.

Security Deposit

Security Deposit

Cover the security deposit for a veteran family's new apartment

$500Houses 1 family
First Month's Rent

First Month's Rent

Pay the first month's rent so a family can move in immediately

$1,200Immediate housing
Emergency Groceries

Emergency Groceries

Two weeks of groceries for a veteran family in crisis

$150Feeds family of 4
ID & Document Recovery

ID & Document Recovery

Replace lost IDs, birth certificates, and essential documents

$75Unlocks benefits
Phase 2

Sustain

3-12 Months: Rental StabilitySupport veteran families as they build independence and maintain stable housing.

Utility Assistance

Utility Assistance

One month of electricity, gas, or water for a veteran family

$200Keeps lights on
Professional Clothing

Professional Clothing

Interview-ready outfits and work uniforms for employment

$150Job-ready veteran
Monthly Transit Pass

Monthly Transit Pass

Transportation to work, VA appointments, and job interviews

$961 month mobility
Phone Service

Phone Service

One month of phone service for job callbacks and case management

$50Stays connected
Phase 3

Strengthen

12-24 Months: Building WealthInvest in veteran families as they build credit, savings, and financial stability.

Financial Coaching Session

Financial Coaching Session

One-on-one budget planning and credit counseling session

$1001 coaching session
Credit Builder Program

Credit Builder Program

3-month secured credit card program to build credit history

$250Builds credit score
Homebuyer Education

Homebuyer Education

HUD-certified homebuyer education course for a veteran

$175Mortgage-ready
Emergency Savings Match

Emergency Savings Match

Match a veteran's savings 1:1 to build emergency fund

$500$1,000 total savings
Phase 4

Own

24+ Months: HomeownershipThe final step: help a veteran family own their home and build generational wealth.

Home Inspection

Home Inspection

Professional home inspection before a veteran closes on their home

$400Protects investment
Closing Cost Assistance

Closing Cost Assistance

Help cover closing costs that aren't covered by VA loan

$1,500Keys in hand
New Homeowner Kit

New Homeowner Kit

Essential items for a new home: bedding, dishes, cleaning supplies

$300Move-in ready
Down Payment Match

Down Payment Match

Match a veteran's down payment savings for VA loan qualification

$2,500Dream home closer

How Your Donation Works

100% of your designated donation goes directly to the need you select.

1. Choose Needs

Select specific needs that resonate with you and add them to your cart.

2. Secure Checkout

Complete your donation securely via Stripe. You'll receive an instant tax receipt.

3. Impact Delivered

Your donation directly funds the need. We'll update you on the impact you've made.

Prefer a General Donation?

Not sure which need to fund? Make a general donation and we'll allocate it where it's needed most.

Ruth's Retreat House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: [Your EIN Here]