ARK
HISTORY
(click
here for a synopsis of the Ark's programs)
The staff of The The Ark of Refue, Inc. has been working together
since 1988 when they collectively designed a program which became
a Northern California model for promoting AIDS education in African-American
Community and targeted high risk groups.
A
component defining the program's uniqueness was and continues to be
the "train-the trainer" peer outreach to the religious and lay communities.
In
1989, the programs expanded to include housing and direct services for
low income and homeless HIV infected individuals through the creation
of The Ark House, a communal living facility with comprehensive services
and the first of its kind in Oakland.
In
1991, the programs expanded to include the multi-denominational minister's
Community Health Task Force, HIV education training materials promoting
on-going AIDS/HIV education activities in the religious community, alongside
the organization of a Women's Task Force on AIDS. This task force identified
and trained church-based women as peer educators and group facilitators
for workshops and seminars providing HIV education focused toward women
at risk and their children.
By
1991, the Ark of Refuge, Inc. was specifically incorporated as an HIV-focused
minority agency and was granted 501(c) status in February 1992. The
agency carried forward a state-funded HIV education program serving
clergy in San Francisco and Alameda Counties.
During
1992, The Ark of Refuge, Inc., established Hazard-Ashley House for homeless
HIV+ men in Oakland where they received comprehensive medical and psycho-social
support services. In that same year, The Ark of Refuge, Inc. provided
administrative and technical assistance to the Black Coalition on AIDS
and Rafiki House, the first minority-operated HIV Housing Program in
San Francisco. Restoration House which opened in 1993, was a first of
its kind dual-diagnosis housing and substance abuse treatment program
for HIV+ African-American women in San Francisco where residents are
provided with individualized substance abuse recovery programs along
with coordinated HIV support services.
Walker
House was opened in 1994 as a long-term supportive housing for low or
no income people with HIV disease. At Walker House, services include
nutrition management, coordinated medical and HIV support services and
a 24-hour staffing pattern for medical emergencies and crisis intervention.
Recognizing
the role of spirituality in the African-American community and the necessity
of sustaining hope for everyone affected by the HIV epidemic, Ark of
Refuge, Inc. staff helped facilitate and sponsor "Testifying for Life",
the first HIV/AIDS benefit concert held in San Francisco, which featured
nationally known Gospel singers.
The
Ark of Refuge, Inc. remains committed to providing services and support
throughout the course of the epidemic to profoundly and positively affect
the quality of life of people affected by HIV.
