Formerly a nurse in Jamaica who worked with homeless boys, Ruhamah Rylander was volunteering at the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston in 2014 when a pregnant woman who was homeless came to the center in “horrible” condition.
“I heard the voice of God plainly on my way home from work that I should establish this [shelter] for these women that come to the clinic and that are around in the different counties in Katy that need a place to stay,” said Ruhamah Rylander, who is the founder and CEO of Keturah’s Haven.
The details
Ruhamah Rylander briefly established a Richmond shelter from 2016-17, funded by the LifeHouse of Houston ministry; however, LifeHouse closed the women’s shelter after facing financial constraints caused by Hurricane Harvey.
Ruhamah Rylander then opened Keturah’s Haven on Aug. 16, 2019, alongside her husband, David Rylander. At its undisclosed location on Christian private school property in Katy, the Rylanders offer space for up to six women ages 18-30—three pregnant women and three mothers with infants.
Women who follow the Christian-based nonprofit’s rules can stay in the organization’s care for up to a year after the infant is born while transitioning into an apartment or reuniting with a family member, Ruhamah Rylander said.
Keturah’s Haven has strict rules, structure and cleanliness requirements for women who stay at the shelter, which can sometimes deter program participants, David Rylander said. Despite this, the nonprofit has enrolled 250 women in the program since its founding.
“If they’re staying here for a year after the baby’s born, and they have a job, we help them to save ... to have an apartment and buy themselves a little car,” Ruhamah Rylander said. “We make it mandatory that once they’re working, they have to save.”
While women are involved in the free program, they have access to in-house counseling, life-skills training, prenatal classes, occupational therapy as well as parenting classes from Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston, Ruhamah Rylander said. Keturah’s Haven also offers guidance finding adoption agencies for program participants who want that option.
Ruhamah Rylander said many Keturah's Haven women are coming from situations that contributed to homelessness, ranging from physical and sexual abuse situations as well as mental health issues to lack of parental guidance.
"Nobody wants to be on the streets; nobody wants to be homeless. It’s no fault of theirs," she said. "Most time ... they’re not protected when they’re kicked out of their homes, and even adults who you think would offer them some protection, they exploit them."
Community members can get involved with the nonprofit by donating through its website or P.O. Box, or volunteering as a mentor to the program's women. Additionally, the nonprofit hosts an annual fundraising event called Gala for Giving in February.
Those seeking services from Keturah’s Haven can call 832-437-8529 or fill out the questionnaire on the website.
- P.O. Box 5261, Katy
- www.keturahshaven.org
