The ARK Shelter Services

 

The ARK

v     24/7 voluntary short-term (14-day maximum) crisis intervention shelter for youth ages 10-17 who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships or facing any variety of crises, including homelessness.

v     Serves residents of Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph counties.

v     No-fee for services.

v     Shelter and stabilization services (on a fee basis) for youth awaiting longer-term placements or living arrangements.

v     Respite care by arrangement on a fee basis.

 

Counseling Services

v     On-site and outreach counseling provided to youth and families, including education, assessments, and referrals.

v     24-hour toll free crisis line: 1-800-873-TEEN.

v     Goal is to successfully reunite and strengthen family relationships whenever possible or to assist with alternative living arrangements.

 

The ARK Shelter

v     The ARK is the only short-term, voluntary shelter serving the six county area.  Youth ages 10-17 who have run away, are in danger of becoming homeless or who are in a crisis situation are eligible. Counseling and support services are offered to youth and their families.

 

Youth in Transition Program

v     The Youth in Transition Program serves youth 14-20 who are exiting the foster care system in Van Buren County. We provide support services to help these youth develop education, employment and life skills. For more information call 269-621-2839.

 

For more information go to

          http://www.catholicfamilyservices.org/ark_shelter.php

 

The ARK Community Services

Homeless Youth Program

The Homeless Youth Program serves youth 16-20 in Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Barry, St. Joseph, Allegan, Branch, Cass, Berrien, Van Buren and Eaton counties. Services include skill development and assistance with affordable and safe housing, education and employment.

 

Transitional Living Program

The Transitional Living Program serves youth ages 16-21 in Kalamazoo County. We assist youth who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless by enabling them to become stable adults through a wide variety of services. These may include assistance with living skills, aid in finding housing and support in maintaining a positive housing environment. We offer weekly “Life Skills Groups” to help youth form friendships, build support systems and develop essential life skills.

 

Youth in Transition Program

The Youth in Transition Program serves youth 14-20 who are exiting the foster care system in Van Buren County. We provide support services to help these youth develop education, employment and life skills. For more information call 269-621-2839.

How We Help Youth

Case Management

Case managers support youth on an individual basis, helping them to establish person-centered plans, developed around their personal situation and needs.

 

Life Skills

Support services are offered to help youth develop essential independent living skills, such as money management, household maintenance, interviewing and resume skills and locating safe and affordable housing. These skills are learned through weekly groups and through on-on-one relationships.

 

Emergency Supplies

Youth receive personal hygiene supplies such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap and lotion. Some clothing and nonperishable food items are also available on a limited basis, Referrals are provided as needed to ensure all youth receive necessary supplies.

Housing Opportunities

Portage Street House

Three transitional housing apartments in a house on Portage Street

 in Kalamazoo for youth adults.

 

Caring Network Apartments

Transitional living apartments for pregnant and/or parenting women who

are participating in the Caring Network Program.