L’Arche Communities in Canada

The L’Arche communities support over 800 persons with intellectual disabilities in nearly 200 residential and vocational settings. These supports are provided in a unique L’Arche relational model that helps individuals to achieve their goals for a good and meaningful life.

Life-sharing happens in a variety of community, work and residential settings. In the traditional L’Arche home, 2 to 3 assistants “live-in” and make a home with 4 to 6 persons with disabilities. Other “live-out” assistants, family, friends and volunteers also participate in the life of the home.

The communities vary in size, history and local flavour, yet they share the same spirit of welcome, joy and celebration. The members share in decision-making, chores, activities and the life of the community as they desire and are able.

Each L’Arche is rooted in its local culture. The members participate in and contribute to their neighbourhood, town or city. Each community has a large network of family, friends, neighbours, volunteers, donors, and other supporters.