SEU alumnus Ben Ruch, a 2007 graduate of SEU who earned a BS in Psychology, is serving as the Homeless Liaison and Senior Coordinator for Polk County Public Schools’ HEARTH Project (Homeless Education Advocates Restoring The Hope) and leading a program that serves thousands of students experiencing homelessness each year. The HEARTH Project supports the community with a mission to restore hope, one student at a time, which guides them in creating pathways for students to thrive despite challenging circumstances.
For Ben, education is both a pathway to opportunity and a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. Since joining the program in 2016 and becoming its leader in 2019, he has worked to ensure that students facing housing instability have access to the support and resources they need to stay in school and succeed.
Finding a Calling in Supporting Students in Need
Before joining HEARTH, Ben served as Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army of Lakeland, where he worked closely with families experiencing homelessness. Through that role, he observed a common challenge among many of the adults he served.
“The parents I had the most difficult time assisting were those that had not graduated from high school,” Ben recalls. “That’s when I realized how crucial education is in ending the cycle of poverty.”
That realization inspired him to shift his focus to homeless education, where he could help students overcome barriers before they became lifelong obstacles.
Serving Thousands of Students Across Polk County
The HEARTH Project exists to support students experiencing homelessness under the protections of the federal McKinney-Vento Act. The program helps students remain connected to their education by providing services such as transportation, school enrollment assistance, school supplies, tutoring, health and vision services, and post-secondary readiness support.
Throughout the project’s time of providing those valuable resources, HEARTH has grown from serving 3,600 students in 2018–2019, to now serving nearly 5,000 students during the current school year. Although there has been a significant increase of students, that growth has also come with challenges to navigate.
“The number of students our program identifies each year has increased by nearly 1,500 students,” Ben says. “Meeting those needs without a similar increase in resources has been one of our biggest challenges.”
Success Measured One Graduate at a Time
Despite the demands in resources, Ben remains focused on the mission and says the most rewarding part of his work is simple.
“Seeing the students graduate each year against all odds.”
Behind every diploma is a story of perseverance. Through HEARTH, students receive support that helps create stability during some of the most uncertain times in their lives, giving them the opportunity to stay focused on their education and future goals.
The Impact of Community Support
A significant part of HEARTH’s success comes from partnerships throughout the community. Each year, the program raises between $150,000 and $200,000 in donations, allowing it to provide resources beyond what federal funding covers.
Ben has also worked to build partnerships with local organizations that directly benefit students and families. One of these partnerships has helped provide tens of thousands of dollars in Publix gift cards to families annually.
“We could not do a lot of what we do without the support of a very generous community,” he says.
Lessons That Lasted Beyond Graduation
Although Ben studied Psychology during his time at SEU, some of the lessons that shaped him most came from courses outside his major.
He credits an Introduction to Public Speaking class with preparing him for the more than 50 presentations he delivers each year, while a Contemporary Literature course helped strengthen the critical thinking skills he uses daily as a leader.
His time at SEU also helped deepen the faith that continues to guide his approach to leadership and service.
During his years as a student, SEU’s motto was “Be Salt.” Today, that message still resonates with him.
“I often tell people I want HEARTH to be a lighthouse or a beacon of light,” Ben says. “Ultimately, what I’m saying is I want us to be salt.”
Leadership That Makes an Impact
Through his leadership of the HEARTH Project, Ben is making a lasting impact on thousands of students and families throughout Polk County. His commitment to education, service, and faith reflects the heart of SEU’s mission: to empower future leaders to serve Christ and the world through Spirit-empowered life, learning, and leadership
Prepared to Serve
SEU’s College of Social Sciences & Humanities equips students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to serve individuals, families, and communities through careers in psychology, counseling, social services, and related fields.
Through rigorous academics, hands-on learning opportunities, and a Christ-centered approach, students develop the critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Whether pursuing graduate studies or entering the workforce, SEU psychology students are prepared to serve with excellence and compassion.
Learn More
People of PCPS Podcast Episode 10: Ben Ruch
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Psychology and Counseling Degrees at SEU
College of Social Sciences & Humanities
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