L’Arche began in France in 1964. It was a compassionate response to the plight of people with intellectual disabilities living in grim institutions, shut away from society. L’Arche was a radical and dynamic way for people of different intellectual capacity, social origin, and culture to live, work, and learn together. Young people from around the world heard about L’Arche, and came to help. Among those early L’Arche assistants was a young Canadian couple, Steve and Ann Newroth. They were so transformed by their experience that they began to dream of bringing L’Arche home to Canada. In 1969, Steve and Ann founded L’Arche Daybreak, the second L’Arche community in the world, in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Today, there are 30 L’Arche communities in nine provinces across Canada. Worldwide, there are over 150 L’Arche communities in 38 countries on six continents.
L’Arche has taken a leadership role in the community living movement for people with intellectual disabilities that ultimately led to the closure of institutions in Canada. Still, adults with intellectual disabilities and their families continue to face tremendous challenges—in finding work, housing, and meaningful everyday activities. Many adults with intellectual disabilities are isolated. Too often, they have no friends.
About 750,000 people with intellectual disabilities live in Canada. 50-60% of adults with intellectual disabilities live with their parents or other family members. Tens of thousands of elderly parents whose son or daughter still lives with them all have the same question, “What will happen to my child when I’m gone?” The waiting lists for supportive housing are years long. The options are few and far between.
L’Arche is at the forefront of developing new models of affordable, inclusive housing. L’Arche continues to grow and supports people with intellectual disabilities to live as valued citizens, neighbours, and leaders.
