Question 1

How do homeless youth differ from adults?

Accepted Answer

Homeless youth are different from homeless adults because they often have not learned the essential life skills needed to live on their own; like how to drive, ride a bus, get a job, or pay bills. Our employment and life skills programs will aid in transitioning our youth to successful adulthood. ​ The second major difference between street youth and homeless adults, is that street youth typically lack the experiences and resources to successfully live independently, at least in the short run. Most wind up on the streets without much – if any – experience of renting or running a household.   Young people often couch-surf between friends and family and many do not identify as homeless. They are at higher risk of exploitation and trafficking on the streets. Additionally, young peopl's brains are still developing and do not reach maturation until the age of 25. For this reason, the adult homeless system is often unsafe for young adults

Question 2

How does Our Ark fund its programs?

Accepted Answer

Operating revenues come from charitable donors committed to the aims of th eorganization. In addition the organization seeks private sponors, private foundations, gifts in-kind, and through fund raiser event. Each year Our Ark organizaes a giving campaign known as "Walk A Night In Their Shoes". This event support the operations and programs within the organization. Our Ark is 100% led, therefore, all funds and gift in-kind donations go directly to the building of the youth and programs.

Question 3

What is the target population?

Accepted Answer

Our Ark's target population are homeless street youth and young adults ages 13-25, who are surviving on the streets in tents, man made less structured spaces settled in campsites, the woods, couch surfing, vehicles, etc. With our current synopsis there are over 172 youth and young adults surviving in the county.

Question 4

Does Our Ark train its volunteers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, volunteers go through an extensive training program , consisting of two 2-hours classes and two days of street outreach to prepare volunteers for working with homeless street youth and young adults. Those who want to work directly with youth usually become Street Outreach Counselors and recieve additional training by walking the streets with experienced team members and performing role-plays with street youth.

Question 5

Does Our Ark have a religious or political affiliation?

Accepted Answer

No, our Ark is an independent, nonprofit organization that has no religious or political affiliation. Our Ark help youth regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds.

Question 6

Where did the name 'Our Ark' come from?

Accepted Answer

Our Ark came from the depths of the heart to service, protect our youth from the ever changing world of destructive patterns they forsee everyday. 'Our' is a symbol of belonging to and something associated with themselves, youth and young adults can relate to. 'Ark' is space, place, not just a building, but  built for their survival and protection against the storms and nature.    Youth and young adults should be able to say ' I am going to a place that is related to me, associated as a refuge from calamities which appear to threaten my whole well-being. I need security in the midst of the great dangers and assurance in a time of stressors and anxieties. I am going to "Our Ark"

Question 7

Where can I donate on Giving Tuesday?

Accepted Answer

A few fundraising sites you can visit are: Fundly Classy GoFundMe YouCaring You can also walk down to your local animal shelter and donate pet food, beds, and toys

Question 8

What is Giving Tuesday?

Accepted Answer

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

Question 9

What are some Giving Tuesday ideas?

Accepted Answer

Donate:  One of the main ways to participate in Giving Tuesday is to donate to a charity or nonprofit of your choice on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. If you care about several charities, choose your top favorite and donate to all of them!    Rewatch our livestream:  On Dec. 1, 2020, MatPat and Stephanie of The Game Theorists hosted a 9-hour YouTube livestream to support St. Jude. Watch their livestream here. Fundraise: When you ask friends and family to help you raise money for a charity, you increase the amount that you would have normally given just on your own! There are many ways you can fundraise for St. Jude.   Volunteer:  Another way to participate is to volunteer your time with a charity. Volunteers are extremely valuable for helping complete necessary work. Some nonprofits offer virtual volunteer opportunities, too.    Encourage others: After you give, fundraise or volunteer, encourage others to get involved by sharing about your participation using the popular hashtag #GivingTuesday.

Question 10

What is a good Giving Tuesday quote?

Accepted Answer

"I'd rather have a million people give me a dollar than one give me a million. That way you've got a million people involved."

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Our Ark is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, contributions to which are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Tax ID Number: 86-2051287

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