Our Ark works to save youth from homelessness

Zarrich and Lily were both 15 years old when an Our Ark street outreach team found them.  He was living under a bridge, she was living in an abandoned trailer; both were addicted to drugs.

Today they are drug-free, housed and seeking employment.  “All I can say is that we’ve turned our lives around,” Zarrich told The JOLT.

Launched in early 2021, Our Ark is a community-based nonprofit with the mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness for young adults and empowering them with independence and hope. 

The organization takes its name from the biblical story of Noah and the Ark, a symbol of safety and refuge.

“Homeless youth don’t attend school or have any adult supervision. They have very different needs than homeless adults,” according to Danny Burkett, Our Ark’s founder and CEO.

“Most of these kids, ages 13 to 25, have been abused, either physically or sexually, and all have been rejected or abandoned by adults that were supposed to care for them,” Burkett added.

Sitting nearby was David Centoni, also an Army veteran, a youth mentor and  outreach coordinator for Our Ark who was once an addict.  Now a volunteer, he provides outreach on the streets and camps of the community.

“I made a promise to God that if He would see me through, I would use my experiences to help others,” he said.  “This is why I am here with Our Ark,” Centoni said.

Burkett added that not only do young, homeless individuals need help with necessities, they also need love and understanding, as well as consistent, non-judgmental support.

“Most of these young people don’t have a good education or the skills needed to succeed in work or life,” she said.  “Many don’t even have identification, which is crucial in our society.  They need an entry point.”

Both teenagers said they were drug-free and working to improve themselves – he is working on his GED; she works at Our Ark.  “All I can say is that we’ve turned our lives around,” commented Zarrich.

Burkett’s sense of entry began with her joining the Army in 1999.  She was a culinary specialist for most of her career; however, she also did a tour as a drill instructor – “the best duty station of my career,” she added – and three combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Burkett explained that as a drill instructor she strengthened her skills in teaching, advising, leading and managing groups of people. 

“Being in the military prepared me for the position that is given to me by God,” explained Burkett.  “The military was a preparation for what was to come for me; Our Ark is my mission; it is the walk that I’m committed to.”

Leaving the Army in 2016, she wanted to work with homeless youthand began a five year stint as the executive director of StandUp for Kids – Olympia/Thurston County.

“After five good years, I learned many lessons that underscore the fact that homeless young people need love, understanding, care, hope, a listening ear, connection, and support,” explained Burkett.

Today, Our Ark works as a team by building trusting relationships, integrity and availability.

“We come with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing approaches and introduction to Our Ark programs,” explained Burkett.

“If they want to have access to our programs, we will carefully start building trusting, hopeful relationships. Where this takes us together is a place of many adventures. Remember we are dealing with the holistic part of them; not just one or two parts.”

Our Ark’s programs include mentorships, a food network, laundry, host homes and a youth street outreach.  Funding for these programs comes from local, state and federal grants as well as donations from organizations and individuals in the community.

“Please consider getting involved and be a change maker,” Centoni asked.  “Not all of our young people are drug users or have mental health problem – they just want to be loved, heard and told that they matter.”

To learn more about Our Ark, its programs and how to contribute, visit their website at ourarkyth.org.