FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do you have some Facts about Women in Prison?

These facts are always changing, but here are some facts that are important to get informed about.

  • Incarcerated Women are overwhelmingly poor with limited education and poor employment skills; 80% reported income of less than $2,000.00 and 92% reported income of under $10,000.00 before incarceration;
  • 80% of the women in prison are single mothers; 67% have at least on minor child and 70% of these women were the primary caregivers prior to incarceration; 25% of these children live with their fathers or other relatives, 50% are with grandparents, 10%  are living in foster care and 15% are living in some other form of out of home placement.
  • Nearly 1.5 million children are the "hidden victims of crime" having a parent in prison, making parental criminality a common childhood experience for an unprecedented number of children in our nation; the children of inmates are 6x's more likely than average to serve time in prison; 50% of juvenile offenders have had a parent in prison.
  • In the last 10 years the number of women in prison has increased 313% compared to 182% for men. This increase is due in part to the increase in arrest rates due to the "war on drugs."
  • Women in prison report significant histories of domestic violence, physical abuse, and rape.
  • Crime and fatherlessness are intertwined: 70% of violent inmates grew up in families without a father.
  • The average age of the women in prison is 29, 36% are white, 52% are  black, and 12% Hispanic
  • Women offenders have a higher incidence of physical health probelms than men and are affected by certain diseases at a greater rate than men (eating disorders, HIV and STD's)
  • The Department  of Justice report that approximately 66% of the men and women released each year will return to prison within three years and some reports indicate the rate for women to be as high as 72%.

The House of Ruth:

How long will the women live at the house?
The women will live at the house from several days to a few months, in most cases no longer than 4 months.

Where will the women go after they leave?
Some will go on to a long term residential program, such as Lydia Center in Wrightsville, other's to a drug and alcohol treatment program or into an apartment in the community or with family.

Will the women be allowed to work?
Yes, if they are able and when preparing to get a place of their own.

How do you determine who will come to live at the house?
Application to the house is voluntary, not court ordered and applicants are preparing for release into the community. The application process will include an interview and review by a committee. Women who have expressed a desire to live in a Christ centered home and participated and completed B.I.R.D. Ministries pre-release program at Lancaster County Prison will get first consideration.

Where does the money come from to support the ministry and the House of Ruth?
Funding is primarily donations from: individuals, businesses, churches, community groups and organizations. Applications for funding in the form of grand requests are submitted regularly.

How many women will be living at the house?
We are allowed to have three women living at the house at a time with an expectation of about 10-12 women over a year's time.

Will children be living at the house?
No, unfortunately we are not equipped for children to live here with their mothers. However children will be allowed to visit.

What are some of the needs that people can help with at the house?
We need some office furniture and equipments such as a computer, copier and miscellaneous office supplies. We will need volunteers to help with the upkeep of the grounds, building maintenance and a variety of other work projects. Women interested in being mentors is always a big need and mentor training is available. If you are interested in helping in any of these areas or have a suggestion of how you would like to help please let us know. For more information Click under our "Programs" tab to view our mentoring program. Or the "Support Us" tab.