A New Chapter for Ruth Harbor: The Carlisle House
When Ruth Harbor purchased the Carlisle House in 2018, it served a clear and needed purpose. For years, it was home to women and children walking through some of the hardest seasons of their lives. It was a good investment, faithful to the mission, and made possible by generous partners like you.
But ministry, like life, moves through seasons. And as we've grown in clarity about what it takes to help a young mom move from crisis to stability, one thing has become unmistakably clear: location matters.
Why Location Is Everything
Access to transportation, jobs, childcare, healthcare, and community services are not optional. They are the bridges that connect a mom to her future. And those bridges are strongest in Des Moines, where our residential program is now fully consolidated.
A Thorough Process
Over the past six months, our board undertook a careful evaluation of the Carlisle property. We explored every option we could think of:
New house parents — in 2025 we renovated our Des Moines home to accommodate more residents. Financial and logistically, operating two fully staffed houses didn’t make sense.
On-site childcare center — A strong concept, but the Carlisle location made staffing and demand a challenge.
Short-term rental use — Difficult to make financially viable given the location.
Retreat center for ministry workers — A good idea, but outside of Ruth Harbor's mission.
Housing for returning missionaries — Promising, but couldn't provide a steady enough stream of people to justify the cost.
We brought in outside perspectives and consulted with ministry partners and community leaders. Each idea had merit, but every one ran into the same wall: the Carlisle location doesn't support the kind of access our moms need.
In January, the board made the decision to sell the Carlisle House.
This wasn't a decision made lightly. It was made prayerfully, carefully, and with deep respect for those who gave to purchase this home.
What Comes Next
We are currently working with a realtor to list the property, and our intention is to reinvest the proceeds into something we believe will have a lasting impact.
As outlined in our Circle of Hope vision, we are seeking to bridge the greatest barriers facing the moms we serve. What could this look like?
Licensed childcare for Ruth Harbor residents and community families
Counseling and parenting support coordinated with partner organizations
Life-skills coaching and employment pathways
Jobs for Ruth Harbor residents and graduates
Good Stewards Of the Mission
We're still in the early stages of exploring what this could look like, and we'll keep you updated as the picture becomes clearer. But the heart behind it is simple: we want to be the best possible stewards of what God has provided.
The Carlisle House faithfully served Ruth Harbor in a previous season. Now, we believe God is calling us to take the next step, not by holding on to what was, but by leaning into what He's doing next.
Thank you for walking with us through every season. Your partnership, your prayers, your generosity, and your belief in this mission makes every bit of this possible.
We'll share more in the months ahead. And as always, if you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Blessings,
Chris Eller