The Ark is a nondenominational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Child Protective Services (CPS) is the primary referral service for the shelter, which is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
The Ark is a project of the Missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

In 1996, the Diocese of Corpus Christi donated land to the Missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph for The Ark’s construction. The Ark received its first license from the state to provide assessment services and operate an emergency shelter for 13 children and youth within the temporal buildings of the Missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in 1999. Those 13 beds and the 24 beds added with the new shelter in 2002 constitute the 37 beds for which the facility is licensed.