Ark reopens to public on Jan. 26 2021

*The Ark will be closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25 2020 through Jan. 25, 2021 for annual rest and restoration. We will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021.

The Ark of Faith is open on a limited basis during this time of quarantine and social distancing that we in Oklahoma must all practice to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Look here to learn about what we are still offering and community resources.

Currently in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Muskogee does not permit gatherings of more than 10 people.  So, the Ark has adopted some changes to continue to serve meals and keep you healthy.

*The Ark will be closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25 2020 through Jan. 25, 2021 for annual rest and restoration. We will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021.

---

MEALS

If you are homeless, the Ark provides free, drop-in Continental Breakfast at 10:00am and Lunch at 12:00 noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 401 E. Broadway in Muskogee. To participate safely, just follow these guidelines to protect everybody from contracting the coronavirus:

1. We may need to limit how many can enter the building at one time. That is to be sure that everyone can sit a safe distance from others, so we all stay safe. Be prepared to wait if you must, while we are working as efficiently as we can to get everyone a meal.
   1. (While waiting, please stay at least 6 feet away from others who are also waiting. Please also, avoid touching, sneezing or coughing on each other, kissing or hugging. You can still communicate from that distance, but it is a distance to avoid the spread of the virus.)
2. When you enter the building go straight to the appropriate men’s or women’s room and wash your hands with soap and water. Sing Happy Birthday to yourself as you do that, and you will have washed for the amount of time that removes the virus.
3. Please, no handshakes, hugging or kissing. You can greet each other with a wave, a nod, or place your hand over your heart and smile.
4. Sign in and wipe down the pen/pencil with the cloth provided
5. Get your plate from the volunteer servers
6. Take a seat at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from other people (you can still hear or see them to visit)
7. When you have finished eating, take your dishes to the kitchen counter and get the cleaning items (a spray bottle of Clorox water and a paper towel or a Clorox wipe). Use them to wipe down the place where you sat during your meal–wipe the table and your chair so the next person has a virus-free place to sit.
8. Wash your hands again with soap and water before you leave.

The following Ark programs have been suspended until further notice:

LAMPLIGHTER COFFEEHOUSE

Coffeehouse is closed until further notice. We will notify everyone when summer comes as we are permitted to gather again.

CLASSES

Anger Management will not meet until further notice. Participants will be notified when we can start again. The courts are aware that the delay in finishing your court-ordered course is due to the COVID 19 pandemic and is not your fault.

Deaf Signing classes will not meet until further notice. Participants will be notified when we start again.

PTSD group will not meet on THURSDAYS until further notice.

Veteran’s guitar class will not meet on Thursdays until further notice.  Ted says to keep practicing what you’ve learned until he figures out a plan to continue. He says you can only get better at this instrument if you practice every day!

PRAYER and COUNSELING REQUESTS

Please send your prayer and counseling requests by email to sally@arkoffaith.org. Include your phone number in the request. She cannot take all the incoming phone calls personally. However, she can read your emails and schedule a call to you with her or a skilled volunteer.

If you would like to volunteer to answer phones, take messages, and or pray for and with people, email her that, as there are many calls each day and helping safely by telephone is appreciated.

COMMUNITY SERVICES IN MUSKOGEE:

HUMAN SERVICES/SOCIAL SERVICES

The Department of Human Services (DHS) office is closed but it continues to work for you.  Your DHS caseworker is on the job but may be working from home.

1. If you are already a client of DHS, your paperwork will have the home or personal phone number of your caseworker. Call your caseworker directly to discuss your needs.
2. If you are not yet a client of DHS, and need to find out if you are eligible for Energy Assistance, Food Benefits, SoonerCare Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or Child Care.
   1. Phone the Muskogee County DHS (918-684-5300 or 1-800-815-7573) or
   2. Visit OKDHSlive! Online (https://www.okdhslive.org/),

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

The Veterans Administration (VA) office is closed but it continues to work for you.  Your VA caseworker is on the job but may be working from home.

1. If you have already signed up for VA services, your paperwork will have the home or personal phone number of your caseworker. Call your caseworker directly to discuss your needs.
2. If you are not yet signed up for VA services or need to find out what services are available to you as a veteran, call the Benefits Office +1 800-827-1000 or visit the website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/muskogee/

SHELTERS and HOUSING

Gospel Rescue Mission — +1 918-682-3489

Address: 323 Callahan St, Muskogee, OK 74403, United States

 

Salvation Army — +1 918-682-3384

Address: 700 Independence Ave, Muskogee, OK 74403, United States

 

MUSKOGEE HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION/HUD Authority — +918-687-6301

Address: 220 No 40th, Muskogee, OK 74401

 

FOOD PANTRIES

Although listed as a Food pantry on Internet searches, the Ark is not a food pantry. Please go to:

 

First Baptist Church 1 918-351-8771

On the west side of Muckogee

corner of 8th and Boston streets, directly behind the Muskogee Public Library

 

First United Methodist Church +918-682-3368

On the east side of Muskogee

600 E Okmulgee St

 

INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICES

2- 1-1

• https://www.211oklahoma.org/
• Phone: Dial 2-1-1 for resource information 24/7
  • From outside the state to get information for someone inside the state call toll-free
  • 877-362-1606 (Oklahoma City and Western Oklahoma) or
  • 877-836-2111 (Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma)
• Text: 211OK to 898211.
• Email: 211ok@csctulsa.org for inclusion/exclusion policy or to update your agency profile. No referrals for services are provided through this email

 

Area Agency on Aging (Services for Seniors)

1012 N 38^th Street, Muskogee, OK

General phone number: 918-682-7891

http://www.eoddok.org/area-agency-on-aging (with the phone numbers and emails for specific services)