How one small community's desire to help people belong started a global movement.
 
The first L’Arche home opened in Trosly, France in 1964 in a previously abandoned small cottage. The first community provided a home in the truest sense of the word for its first four inhabitants and was a response to greater society’s call to bring people with intellectual disabilities out of the degrading conditions of institutions. No longer were people with disabilities seen as something shameful that needed to be quarantined, but as full human beings inherently deserving of respect.
 
Word quickly spread. Young people from around the world came to the Trosly-Breuil community to also share their lives with people who had a disability. By 1975, the L’Arche model had become a fast-growing global moment. Over 30 additional communities emerged in France, Canada, India, Africa and Haiti — rooted in the Roman Catholic faith.
 
Today, L’Arche has 153 communities in 38 countries around the world. L’Arche Atlanta, founded in 2012, is one of 18 L’Arche communities in the United States.
 
While each community is unique, we stand united through our shared vision and spirit. We welcome you to belong.