All Services Are Free
The Ark
6450 N. California Ave.
Chicago, IL 60645
773.973.1000
Fax: 773.973.4362
ark@arkchicago.org
The Ark has regular business hours, is open later on Wednesdays for dinner and medical services, and closes at 2pm on Fridays. It is closed Saturday, Sunday, and during Jewish holidays.
Getting There
Bus: 155 Devon bus to California or 93 California bus to Devon
El stop: None nearby
Parking: Has its own free parking lot and some street parking. Please read signs carefully.
Social Services
Medical Doctors
– Primary care, psychiatrist, dental, and some other specialists
– On-site pharmacy that dispenses free prescription medications and some over-the-counter medications
– People with health insurance are ineligible for these services
Psychological Services
– Individual and couples therapy with licensed social workers
– Outpatient day program with therapy groups including art therapy
– People with health insurance may be ineligible for these services
Kosher Pantry
– Clients can use the pantry once a month at specific times
Kosher Meals
– Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday lunches
– Wednesday dinner at 5pm
– Can request vegetarian meals
– On certain holidays, meals are delivered to clients’ homes
Thrift Store
– Located in Wicker Park, accessible by the blue line, buses, with limited parking by other stores
– Depending on your eligibility, it is possible to get vouchers for the thrift store in order to get household items for free
Homeless Shelter
– The Ark also runs a homeless shelter
Becoming a Client
To become eligible for the above services, you go through an intake where they verify that you are Jewish, financially needy, and assess what services you need. They serve all types of Jews (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, etc) though they are associated with an Orthodox synagogue. The workers appear to follow a conservative dress code, though this is not true of the people who utilize their services.
Religious Services
The Ark also offers talks on Jewish issues, services, and some holiday celebrations. The Rabbi gives talks as part of the Tuesday and Thursday lunches and is often present during the day.
If you go to The Ark for services, please feel free to leave a comment about your experiences.
Enlightening the Darkness 
I’ve been a client of The Ark for over two years. Overall, I really like the organization and highly recommend it. The food pantry is excellent and the psychiatrist, Dr. Kurzman, is the best psychiatrist I have ever had. The Wednesday and Friday meals are good, though the Tuesday and Thursday meals could be better. The pharmacy is well-stocked and medications are often filled and ready to be picked up a day or two after the doctor writes the prescription. The Ark has also helped me get household goods and pay my rent.
The case management services could use some improvement and I did not have good luck with the therapist I was assigned. Based on that experience and working with multiple social workers at The Ark, I would recommend going elsewhere for therapy.
The Ark is by far the best multi-service organization I have come across so far. If you are Jewish and need support, they are a great place to start. If you are looking for a quality organization to volunteer at or donate to, please consider them.