Graduates of The Ark who have worked hard to find a place of their own.

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2026- When I lost my housing, it felt sudden and overwhelming. I had allowed my son’s father and his girlfriend to stay with us on weekends, believing it was permitted. When concerns were raised and I was told I needed to prove he had another place to live, I was given just one month to move out. I was also told that if I left voluntarily, I could avoid having an eviction on my record. Wanting to protect my future and my son’s stability, I made the difficult decision to leave.

What followed were some of the most stressful days of my life. I immediately began calling shelters, but everywhere I turned was full. As the deadline approached, I became more and more anxious about the possibility of my son and I ending up on the streets. With only five days left before we had to leave, I received a call from The Ark.

I was nervous about entering a shelter. I had never experienced homelessness before, and as someone who is legally blind and not always comfortable in crowded environments, I didn’t know what to expect. But walking into The Ark turned out to be one of the greatest blessings for my son and me.

From the moment we arrived, we were met with kindness and understanding. Every person there was facing their own challenges, yet the sense of community was immediate. The other guests went out of their way to help me get oriented and learn my surroundings. Their patience and willingness to assist me meant more than I can express. Instead of feeling alone, I felt supported.

The Ark gave us more than just a safe place to stay — it gave us hope, stability, and encouragement during a very uncertain time. The staff and guests created an environment where I felt respected and cared for. Most importantly, The Ark helped us take the next step forward.

Today, I am incredibly grateful to share that The Ark is helping me and my son move into our new apartment. What began as a frightening situation has become a story of resilience, community, and new beginnings.

Sometimes what feels like the worst moment can lead to the greatest blessing. For us, that blessing was The Ark.

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2023-I was in a car wreck about a year ago, and it turned my world upside down.  I lost my car, job, and housing all within a few months.  I came to The Ark with nothing, and I was pretty broken, mentally and physically.  While at The Ark I kept working towards getting my disability and settlement from my wreck, I applied for school and started in January, and I worked on improving my health! The Ark helped me get to appointments, helped me apply to school and with materials, and listened when I needed someone to talk to. I had to learn to turn 'I can't' into 'I can'.  I could not have my own place right now if it weren't for The Ark.  Thank you to all the staff at The Ark. I love my new apartment! - Jennifer Lynn

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2019- I came to The ARK after staying in a hotel with my two sons for about two months. I had run out of money, and we were living in a place where I didn’t feel safe. I had been out of prison for about four months and was ready to rebuild stability in our lives. Moving into another shelter felt like I was failing my kids again, but deep down, I knew it was the only way for us to work toward having a home of our own.

I started working at Subway and quickly became the manager. I picked up as many shifts as possible to save money and create a better future for my boys. While we were still at The ARK, I decided to pursue my Peer Support Specialist Certification. I completed the certification just before we moved out and soon found a much better job using my credentials.

After living at The ARK for six months, my sons and I were finally able to move into our own home—with the help of The Ark and God. It was a moment I will never forget.

I spoke with Alicia this morning to catch up and see how she and her sons were doing.

“We are doing amazing. I passed my Certified Alcohol and Drug Certification exam last year, and I just graduated with my associate's degree in human services. I am now working toward my bachelor’s degree in clinical counseling. I’m working in the field using my certification, and I absolutely love my job. I honestly could not be happier with my life.

My oldest is a junior this year and worked all summer. My youngest will be a sophomore and gets his permit next month. They are both straight-A students, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

Thank you for everything you did and continue to do for the families at The Ark and us. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for my time at The Ark.

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2018- ​A single female, whom we will call Stephanie, has been at The ARK and worked hard to get her daughter with her.  Months ago, Stephanie moved from a single female room into a family room.  She got her daughter into daycare, goes to work everyday and is saving at least 1/2 her income.  Our case manager has been diligently working with Stephanie on life skills, budget, and finance issues, and moving forward to be self-sustaining when she and her daughter move out on their own. Please keep this family surrounded in blessings for a stable, peaceful life as they prepare to move into their permanent housing in the near future! 

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2017- My name is Melissa, and I, like many others, have made mistakes.  Those mistakes can motivate us but do not have to define us.  I have committed felonies, but I am not a felon.  I am a mother, a Peer Support Specialist and currently work at The ARK in Elkin, NC. In 2015, my life changed forever when I was arrested for manufacturing Methamphetamine and lost everything.  I went to jail, experienced homelessness and a halfway house in around three years but today I have a stable home, a happy family, and a job I love. Every day, I work to better myself through education and research to help others recover from various mental health challenges.  I have become a Peer Support Specialist, Wellness Recovery Action Planning, Advocate for Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services.  I graduated from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and continue to learn and grow every day.  My vision is to help others navigate through difficult times in their life and make positive changes for their future.

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2015- ​I cannot say thank you enough to The Ark for everything you all did for me! I was in a car wreck about a year ago and it turned my world upside down.  I lost my car and housing all within a few months.  I came to The Ark with nothing and I was pretty broken, mentally and physically.  While at The Ark, I kept working towards getting my disability and settlement from my wreck, I applied for school and started in January, and I worked on improving my health! The Ark helped me get to appointments, apply to school and with materials, and listened when I needed someone to talk to. I could not have my own place right now if it weren't for The Ark.  Thank you again to all the staff at The Ark, I love my new apartment! - Jen 

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2014-"Great things happened while living at The ARK"!  I have a job at Pittsburgh Glassworks that I love and I can support myself on the income I make.  I rent a house that I love and I can live within my means. Life is good!"