Employment: All residents are required to have employment prior to moving in and must maintain employment in order to live at The Ark. Forty hours is advised. Those on disability or SSI are also expected to work part time. We strongly believe idle time is time not well spent. Work schedules must be shown to staff weekly.
Program Fees: Everyone is expected to keep fees paid and current every week. Please see our staff to discuss what is owed. Also, keep all payment receipts. It is advised to pay fees monthly rather than weekly in order to stay ahead. Past due fees could result in eviction. It is not staff responsibility to remind you of past due fees.
Drugs & Alcohol: There will be NO drug or alcohol use on this property, or off the property, during your stay at the Ark. We are a sober living program and you must remain clean and sober while living here. A failed drug or alcohol test will be an immediate eviction. A refusal to test will be considered a failed test and grounds for eviction. There will be a drug test upon entry as well as random drug and alcohol tests throughout your stay at staff discretion.
Visitors: There will be NO visitors on the property without permission from leadership. Approved visits must take place in common areas like the coffee shop. Ark residents are not allowed in each other’s rooms. Violation of this rule may result in eviction. Leaving campus with visitors must first be approved. Men and women may not go into opposite sex dorms without permission.
Theft: Taking belongings without asking is considered theft and WILL NOT be permitted. This includes food, toiletries, clothing, cigarettes, etc. Theft could result in eviction.
Lights Out & Quiet Time: Quiet time begins promptly at 10pm, resulting in the lights being turned off in all bedrooms. Therefore, no loud conversations, noisy kitchen use, slamming of doors, turning on lights, etc. after this time.
Curfew: Residents must be at the dorm by 11pm unless working. Schedule must be shown to Ark leadership.
Children: Children must be supervised by parents at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, all common areas and kitchens. The curfew for children is 8:30pm.
Smoking: This is a smoke free campus. The only smoking area is at the 'Oasis' next to the dumpster and all butts must go into receptacles.
Hygiene: All residents need to be clean and presentable on campus at all times. Clothing and bedding should be kept clean.
Attire: This is a co-ed campus with children. Please keep attire modest and appropriate. No bathing suits may be worn without coverups. If leadership finds your attire inappropriate you may be asked to leave. No skull, alcohol or weed prints permitted or inappropriate sayings.
Kitchens: Kitchens are available in each dorm as well as one for studios. Depending on where you live, please use designated kitchen. It is expected that all who prepare food will clean up immediately after meals. This includes washing dishes and all cookware, putting dishes away, sweeping, taking out trash when full, etc. Please keep food labeled inside refrigerators and cabinets and throw away all expired food. There are designated refrigerators and cabinets for donated food and it's available for all to eat. Taking food belonging to someone is considered theft and will be grounds for eviction.
Meals & Food: The Ark does not provide meals or food. Each resident is responsible for their own food and may not take from other residents without permission. Only donated food may be taken which is stored in the labeled areas.
Bedrooms: Each individual will maintain their own living quarters. This includes making bed daily, tidying area, hanging bath towels and keeping clothing and personal belongings clean and put away. Staff may come and inspect the area at any time, this also includes studios.
Personal Belongings in Common Areas: All personal furniture must be approved before bringing it into the dorms or studios (side tables, lamps, etc). All personal items must be put into personal area and not left in common areas.
Thermostats: Only staff is permitted to operate thermostats. If change in temp is needed, please see staff.
Bikes and Transportation: Residents are responsible for their own transportation. Bikes should be locked at all times. The Ark is not responsible for theft.
Savings: The Ark will create a savings account for anyone who does not have a bank account. We suggest acquiring at least $5,000 prior to moving out.
Nights off Property: No resident is allowed to spend the night off the property without permission from directors or dorm interns. Time off property must be earned by good behavior for a minimum of three weeks.
Lockers: Each resident in the dorm will have only one locker and must keep a lock on it to secure belongings. Lockers will be inspected at any given time. Items not locked up are subject to theft and the Ark is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Language: We expect everyone to speak to one another with courtesy even in difficult discussions. Cussing is not permitted and if violators receive more than two warnings it will be grounds for eviction. The power of the tongue can either hurt or help your success at The Ark. Gossip will not be permitted.
Medication: All medication should be listed on your Ark application and discussed with staff. If any medication given to another resident this will be immediate grounds for eviction.
Pets: No residents are permitted to house pets on The Ark property.
Automobiles: Cars must be parked in spaces around dorms, not coffee shop. All vehicles are subject to a staff search at any time.
Church: The Ark Church has a service at 10am on Sundays. It is not mandatory, but we would love to worship with you! We encourage everyone to attend a church of their choice in order to grow spiritually. We not only deeply believe Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, but the reason behind holistic healing! There are many volunteer opportunities at the Ark Church available to you, as well.
Ark Van: Van use to probation & doctor appointments must be approved by leadership. Rides are $5 on beach and $10 over bridge.
Growth Through Mentoring, Goal Setting & Budget Planning: Every resident is required to develop a personal growth plan with staff which must be fulfilled weekly. Each resident is facing their own personal hurdles and the Ark offers many opportunities to assist in these areas. Goal Setting and Budget Planning are essential in moving through the Ark quickly and into permanent housing. We have volunteer mentors who are here to help and walk with you through your journey.
Mandatory Resident Meetings: Every resident is required to attend the weekly Tuesday Resident Meetings at 6:00 p.m. unless work schedule prohibits attendance (must supply schedule). These meetings are a great way to meet all the residents while enjoying a meal together. Those who have a history of drug or alcohol use will also be required to attend appointed group meetings.
Independent Living: Residents are personally responsible for all belongings, including but not limited to medications, ID's, money, bedding, clothing, etc. Residents are also responsible for transportation and maintaining employment the entire duration at the Ark. Please ask staff if any items are needed and we'll do our best to provide you with what you need.