The Ark is a home for children who for one reason or another don't have a mother or father to care for them. It was founded in 1996 by the Allan family in Riobamba, Ecuador in the Andes mountains.

Over the years The Ark has cared for more than 600 children. The children are welcomed to the homes as part of an oversized family where our goal is to provide them with warmth, security and comfort as well as ensuring that all of the children’s basic physical needs are met. Those needs include medical care, dental care, physical therapy, psychological help, education, nutritional food, good clothing, personal possessions, and a comfortable home.

The Ark is also opening this year in the Philippines, providing a youth centre in Bontoc, Mountain Province.

The Ark Children's Homes is located in Riobamba, Ecuador in the heart of the Andes mountains. Riobamba itself sits at 2,750 meters while the mountains tower above. Cold winds blow into the city from Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador at 6,310 meters high. Chimborazo is also the furthest point from the center of the earth due to the earth's equatorial bulge. The province of Chimborazo is known for being the heart of the Quichua people. They say that the area is 80% indigenous.On the opposite side of the valley that cradles Riobamba, sits Tungurahua, an active volcano. The people were previously evacuated because of the threat of a major eruption, but most have returned in spite of the danger.

The Ark welcomes approved volunteers to help out long or short term. We also value the aid of work teams and groups who have something to offer towards the wellbeing of the children. Please contact us for more information.