Emergency Rent & Utilities Assistance: The Ark assists neighbors with rent/mortgage and or electric/gas/water bills. Assistance is provided to neighbors who, for reasons beyond their control, have suffered a verifiable loss or reduction in income or have experienced a necessary but unexpected expense (car repair, home repair, or medical expense) in the last 90 days. The Ark serves Clarke, Madison, Oglethorpe and Oconee counties.

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Elderly Assistance Program (NOAH): We provide emergency assistance to neighbors 65 and older and living on a fixed income. This program is limited to Clarke County residence one time per year.

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Transportation Assistance: The Ark provides critical car repair assistance to help individuals maintain reliable transportation for employment or consistent medical care. Additionally, when available, we offer transportation support through gas vouchers for out-of-town medical appointments, job interviews, or individuals starting new jobs.

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Food Bank Referrals: The Ark is located in the same building as the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank and writes referrals for neighbors to receive food. By doing this, The Ark helps our neighbors stretch their monthly food budget.The Ark is require to follow the Food Bank policies for writing referrals. For more information on Food Bank policies, please contact the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank.

Micro Loan & Financial Education: Common Wealth Athens (CWA) provides neighbors with a longer-term, more holistic solution to financial hardship. By partnering with First American Bank & Trust, CWA offers financial services that allow our low-income neighbors to break out of the cycle of poverty. Services include financial literacy and budget education, free checking and savings account, coupled with low-interest micro-loans to refinance predatory debt. 

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