L’Arche is a sign of hope to the wider world of the essential values of the heart. 

L’Arche communities, family-like homes where people with and without disabilities share their lives together, give witness to the reality that persons with disabilities possess inherent qualities of welcome, wonderment, spirituality, and friendship.

Perhaps an extraordinary notion in our fast-paced and consumer-driven society, L’Arche believes that these qualities, expressed through vulnerability and simplicity, actually make those with a disability our real teachers about what is most important in life: to love and to be loved.

From the first community begun in France in 1964, many communities have developed in various cultural and religious traditions around the world. The first L’Arche community in the United States was founded in 1972 in Erie, Pennsylvania. Today, L’Arche USA has 16 communities and two projects nationwide. 

Solidarity With L'Arche Haiti

L'Arche began in Haiti in1976 in Carrefour, a suburb of  Port-au-Prince that is near the epicenter of the devastating January 12th earthquake. Our communities in Carrefour and in Les Cayes, southwest of Port-au-Prince, have largely been spared, though supplies are limited and the community members and friends are experiencing great vulnerability.

How to Help: L'Arche USA is now collecting tax-deductible donations, which should be made payable to "L'Arche USA" and with a designation for "Solidarity with L'Arche Haiti." Donations may be made online (please click here), or by post to our mailing address (please click here). Again, please indicate that your gift is for "Solidarity with L'Arche Haiti." Please know that all donations made through L'Arche USA that are designated to specific L'Arche communities are forwarded in their entirety. Thank you.  

Of Interest Now

Letter to friends of L'Arche in the U.S. from Jean Vanier (READ here)

R-Word ("Respect") Public Service Announcement Video (WATCH here)

Lior Liebling, a source of light, featured in "Letters of L'Arche" (READ here)

L'Arche USA Joins the "Spread the Word to End the Word" Campaign (READ here) 

Jean Vanier at the Ontario Psychotherapy and Counseling Program Conference (WATCH here)

Commonweal feature: "Messy Love," by Michael Higgins (READ here) 

Provoke Radio feature: "L'Arche Communities: the Transformative Power of Relationship"   (LISTEN here) 

Sojourners Magazine feature: "The Politics of Gentleness" (READ here)

 L'Arche Arts: a souvenir poster is now available in PDF  (Just Click and Print!)