Ruby was born in Chicago but moved to Florida at a young age where her family moved around the state frequently. A great student, Ruby’s parents made sure she focused on her education and got good grades despite frequently changing schools. Despite the struggle to keep up, she stayed focused on her schooling and graduated high school with excellent grades.
In her early twenties, Ruby got married and decided to use her education and passion for helping others to open a social service organization for those in need. She helped people get off the street, enroll in SNAP, find jobs, access public resources, and so much more.
Everything was going well until Ruby’s husband got involved with drugs.
After her husband was arrested and sentenced to prison, Ruby discovered all the money they shared had been put into a private account with the intention of leaving her with nothing. Without the resources necessary to continue, Ruby had to close her organization. The sorrow of losing so much and knowing that others were suffering because of his choices led Ruby to a life of drinking and partying. During the next few years, she found herself experiencing violence in relationships and unstable housing. After an ex-boyfriend robbed her of everything she owned, Ruby spent the little money she had saved to stay in hotel rooms waiting for the room her brother promised her in his home. When her brother failed to keep his promise, she decided to move back to Chicago where she hoped more resources would be available to her.
When she arrived in Chicago, Ruby found that every shelter had a waiting list and there was nowhere for her to stay. Being resourceful, she found a shelter in Rockford, Illinois with an opening. The food was good, her bed was clean, she was able to get new clothes; things were looking up for Ruby. Confident she was back on solid ground, she left the shelter but after several failed living arrangements, run-ins with scammers, and unsafe roommates, she found herself back with just three months to find another place before she would have to leave. “We don’t think you need us,” they told her.
Ruby moved back to Chicago, hoping for more support. Working with case managers at Sarah’s Circle and other organizations to find shelter, she would take walks through Uptown to keep herself busy and warm. She watched kids play at the park, got to know the local businesses, and took a particular interest in several construction sites. For four weeks straight she would visit one site often and admire the structure taking shape, hoping to live in a building like that some someday.
In early 2025, Ruby got a call from a case manager letting her know Sarah’s Circle had an open apartment and it was hers. She couldn’t believe when she arrived at Sarah’s on Lakeside that her new home was the very building she daydreamed about as she watched its construction.
Ruby was the first woman to move into Sarah’s on Lakeside. For the first time in years, she took a bath and slept in silence in her own home. As more women moved into neighboring apartments, she began making friends and sharing resources within her new community. Having lived at Lakeside for over a year now, Ruby works closely with her case manager Kim to continue building stability in her life. Ruby shared that the mission of Sarah’s Circle resonates with her and that being part of an organization helping women has played an important role in her gaining confidence and independence.
In her years without housing, despite her positive attitude and determination, Ruby found that because she was a woman on her own, gaining access to resources and shelters was far more difficult than it was for her male peers.
Ruby’s story serves as an important reminder that no one is too strong, bright, or resourceful to be at risk of homelessness. Without the resources to support vulnerable women, someone with all the potential in the world can still become homeless.
At Sarah’s Circle we are determined to provide the support and resources that women facing homelessness need because everyone deserves shelter, safety and opportunity.
