Our Story
Ruth’s Room Founder, Bunny Hodges
Habitat for Humanity of Denton County was established in September 1994. A founding Board member, Bunny Hodges, chaired the fundraising committee which organized city-wide garage sales, evening events, and silent auctions. Yet she and fellow committee members, Nelia Thorp and Alex Lieban, had occasionally discussed a more sustainable fundraising effort, such as a thrift store.
In April of 2000, Bunny’s mother, Ruth Hodges, passed away. Bunny thought opening such a thrift store in her mother’s name would be a way to honor her and to benefit the important work of Habitat. (Serendipitously, the Biblical Ruth was a gleaner!) Ruth’s Room opened its doors on December 16, 2000 in a small space on North Locust. Yet, within two years, its success made it apparent that the store needed a larger place. So, in September 2003, its perfect, permanent location was established at 1721 N. Carroll.
Ruth’s Room employs a small staff of five hardworking and effective full and part-time employees, and is currently blessed with 33 dedicated and talented volunteers — the heartbeat of the store!
Thanks to the efforts of these people, and the generous donations of local citizens, Ruth’s Room has given the local Habitat affiliate $2,300,000! We look forward to maintaining this success and pray that our efforts continue to make a genuine difference in our Denton community.
Read about our Mission and Statement of Purpose.