Question 1

What is Our Ark?

Accepted Answer

Our Ark is a safe place that helps young people who don’t have stable housing or are in unsafe living situations. We provide support, guidance, and resources to help you get back on your feet in a family-like environment, creating a youth community where participants can thrive in.

Question 2

Why does Our Ark matter?

Accepted Answer

By providing consistent adult guidance, life skills support, and connections to resources, Our Ark helps youth move from instability toward safety, independence, and long-term success.

Question 3

What services does Our Ark provide?

Accepted Answer

Case management & coaching: Helping youth set and reach personal goals
Life skills & independence support: Budgeting, job readiness, daily routines
Family & social support: Guidance through a caring, consistent adult (“house parent” style support)
Resource connections: Housing referrals, education, healthcare, and community services
 These services are strengths-based, trauma-informed, and voluntary.

Question 4

What is the target population?

Accepted Answer

Our Ark's target population are homeless street youth and young adults, >25yr, who are surviving on the streets in tents, man made less structured spaces settled in campsites, the woods, couch surfing, vehicles, etc.

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

What kind of help can I get?

Accepted Answer

We offer support like:
Talking with someone you can trust about challenges and goals
Learning life skills (budgeting, job readiness, daily routines)
Getting connected to resources for housing, healthcare, and education
Support with family or other important relationships

Question 7

Who can get help?

Accepted Answer

Any youth or young adult who is homeless, at risk of losing their housing, or living somewhere unsafe may be able to get help.

Question 8

Do I have to be homeless to get help?

Accepted Answer

Nope. Even if you’re just at risk of losing your housing, you can still get support.

Question 9

What is Family Social Parental Support?

Accepted Answer

This means having a caring adult who guides you, supports you, and helps you learn life skills—kind of like having a “house parent” without living together.

Question 10

How long can I get help?

Accepted Answer

You get support as long as you need it and are working toward your goals. We check in regularly to make sure the plan is still right for you.

Question 11

How do I get help?

Accepted Answer

You can reach out yourself, or someone like a school counselor, social worker, or community program can refer you. We’ll do an intake to see what support fits your needs.

Question 12

Is my info private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We keep your information confidential and only share it if you say it’s okay or if the law requires it.

Question 13

How do I know if it’s working?

Accepted Answer

We measure success by seeing you:
Feel more stable and safe
Learn life skills
Get closer to housing and independence
Feel supported and heard

Question 14

How can I get involved or help out?

Accepted Answer

You can volunteer, become a host home, donate, or help spread the word about Our Ark.

Question 15

How can host families, funders, or referral partners get involved?

Accepted Answer

Host families: Provide safe, supportive living environments for youth in need
Funders: Support program sustainability and expansion to reach more youth
Referral partners: Connect youth to Our Ark services from schools, social services, or other community programs

Frequently Asked Questions