COVID-19 IMPACT
The Ark has been working tirelessly to continue delivering emergency financial assistance to our neighbors in this season of unprecedented need.
Through 2021 and into 2022, demand for Ark assistance has continued to exceed previous years. As Cares Act funding ended in December 2021, The Ark returned to pre-COVID pledge amounts. We continue to see families losing income due to COIVD-related job losses and facing eviction as landlords seek to recoup their losses in court.
While the Athens community has two eviction prevention programs in place, that umbrella does not cover everyone and many families and individuals are facing homelessness this year.
Stories from the Ark Frontline Assitance:
"If it weren't for places like The Ark, I would be so stressed."
Stacey is a server at a national chain restaurant in Athens that closed its dine-in service due to the coronavirus outbreak. Her hourly wages and tips enabled her to survive paycheck to paycheck, but in the wake of losing her income, she was worried about making her rent and had been told that unemployment benefits could take over 2 weeks. She received a pledge towards her rent that will keep her current until those benefits come in.
Melissa "is and extremely hardworking woman...in need of rental assistance." -her landlord
Melissa contacted The Ark after a local college informed her that her paid internship would be suspended due to school closures for the COVID-19 crisis. Her fiance's job was also impacted: his job cut hours by 50%. They came to The Ark seeking help with their rent and power bill. The Ark assisted with both, helping to ensure that this young couple doesn't go into serious debt during this emergency.
"We are forever grateful for what The Ark and community are doing at this time especially to assist any and all!!"
Felicia contacted the Ark in March because she had been laid off from her job at one of the national grocery chains due to the coronavirus outbreak. Usually able to just meet her bills, the sudden and unexpected job loss created a crisis for her. Felicia needed help with her rent for April and The Ark was able to help her.
One of her personal mottos is "One single candle can light a hundred other candles."
The Ark's Annual Fundraising Events
Adopt-a-Mom
The Ark honors mothers and grandmothers who otherwise may not be celebrated for Mother's Day by compiling a list of worthy ladies for "adoption". Members of the community, for a donation of $25, "adopt" a mom, who receives fresh flowers and a hand-written card for Mother's Day. All proceeds benefit our Single Working Mother's Fund.
Hygiene Kit Project
Each fall, the Ark assembles hygiene kits to hand out to our neighbors. A number of our supporting churches and individuals donate funds and items for to assemble 200 hygiene kits which will gratefully received by our neighbors through the end of the year.
Swing-For-Hope Golf Challenge
Every August, around 100 players come out to The University of Georgia Golf Course for a fundraising day of golf for a great cause! The longest running golf tournament in Athens, Swing-Fore-Hope is a well-loved tradition for our supporters and sponsors. Our 2019, and final, tournament raised almost $13,000 to support our mission to prevent poverty and homelessness in our great city and surrounding counties.
Gift of Hope
Every “gift of hope” received will be given to a neighbor in need under the promotion of self-sustainability. We believe in our neighbors’ abilities to accomplish their goals. By partnering with other agencies, we are able to provide a more holistic approach to well-being, including financial support, financial literacy, health and wellness counselling, and legal services. Click Donate above to give your gift of hope!
