Collections by Michelle Brown Revisits REC Executive Director Jerry Peterson

While many nonprofits are cutting back on services and in some instances closing their doors the Ruth Ellis Center is pushing through the pandemic and expanding services. Executive Director Jerry Peterson shares how the organization has carried on its mission of providing services during the pandemic while pushing forward with new plans.

Today, beyond its main 77 Victor St. location in Highland Park, REC is on its way to hosting four locations across the city. It recently announced three new programs – the REC at Clairmount for long term housing support in Detroit’s north end, and the Rapid Rehousing Project and the Kelly Stough Project. Both the Kelly Stough and Rapid Re-housing, via partnerships with landlords, can provide up to 24 months of rental support at both short-term and intermediate lengths for residents across Detroit and the Metro area.

Although the organization has grown over the years, it remains committed to carrying with it the spirit and legacy of its own namesake - lesbian activist Ruth Ellis. She is very alive in this work and that spirit.