About L’Arche Toronto

For over 50 years, L’Arche Toronto has brought to life the mission of L’Arche in the east end of Toronto. In L’Arche, people with intellectual disabilities (core members) share daily life with those who support them (assistants) and a wide circle of family, friends, and neighbours.

Our Programs and Homes

We are part of the international L’Arche movement.

L’Arche Toronto Homes Inc. (L’Arche Toronto) provides support for daily living, employment, and community participation through five homes and day supports, and two community inclusion programs: Sol Express creative and performing arts program and the Trying It on For Size (TIFS)  advanced life skills program. L’Arche employs a unique relational model where we help each other develop our gifts and abilities through relationships of mutual care, supporting each person to achieve their goals for a meaningful life.

L’Arche Toronto members with and without disabilities contribute to a vibrant community life shared with our circle of family, friends, volunteers, and donors. Our members are also engaged in the life of our city taking part in a wide range of events, community organizations, faith communities, volunteer opportunities, and collaborations with diverse partners. Together, we are building a more welcoming city for all.

L’Arche Toronto is one of 30 communities that are part of L’Arche Canada and is a member of the International Federation of L’Arche Communities, a network of 150 communities and 30 projects in 37 countries around the world.

Our Location

L’Arche Toronto operates five community homes on the east side of Toronto with two homes and the Gathering Place (meeting space, offices, and Sol Express) in East York, two homes south of the Danforth, and our new home and TIFS program in Regent Park.

Our History

1964
L’Arche began in France
1969
L’Arche Daybreak starts in Richmond Hill, Ontario
the first L’Arche community in Canada.
1972
L’Arche Daybreak opens Avoca House,
the first L’Arche home in Toronto. Avoca moves to Mortimer in 1986.
1979
The second L’Arche Daybreak home in Toronto opens on Grandview then moves to Wolverleigh in 1980 and then to Gamble in 2008.
1992
L’Arche Daybreak opens Simpson House.
1996
L’Arche Toronto becomes a separate community within L’Arche Daybreak.
It is legally incorporated as L’Arche Toronto Homes, Inc. in 2004.
2005
The Gathering Place opens
2007
Sol Express creative and performing arts begins.
2018
Trying It on For Size (TIFS) begins.
2020
The Day Program begins.
2023
River House opens.
2023
L’Arche Toronto celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

How your donation makes a difference.

With your help, we can build a more compassionate, more human society.

Download our Annual Report
donation-icon