Daniel & Edith Ripley Foundation

Daniel and Edith Ripley came to Houston seeking opportunity just like many of the people we serve today. They used their success to help others make a way for themselves.

When Daniel died, he willed his property to his wife. Edith decided to use the money to help as many people as she could. In her will, she instructed her appointed trustees to establish a memorial of benevolence for the good of the community. The Ripley Foundation was incorporated in 1935.

In 1938 the Ripley Foundation formed an alliance with the Houston Settlement Association and built the first of its kind community center called Ripley House on Lovejoy Street in Houston’s Second Ward that opened in 1940.  Ripley House became an East End institution tabsmall.com. This innovative community center housed many of the neighbors’ needs under one roof.