A non-profit committed to creating communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities can live and work together has a new $37-million "dream home" in Burnaby.
L'Arche Greater Vancouver officially opened its new facility at 7415 Sussex Ave. Friday, after replacing its old building on the site, according to a news release from the non-profit.
The new building features three L'Arche homes for people with and without developmental disabilities, two community inclusion programs, and 10 units for adults with developmental disabilities who can live more independently.
Exciting day for our community as we gathered to celebrate the opening of the brand new @Larche_Vancouver development in Burnaby. Providing community programming, supportive housing and affordable housing for folks of all walks of life is an incredible win for Burnaby!🫶 pic.twitter.com/4pUZgmWpCd
— Burnaby Mayor's Office (@MayorofBurnaby) September 20, 2024
The facility also has 29 affordable housing units for individuals, couples and families who wish to live in an "intentional community," in the words of the non-profit.
A L'Arche home is a place where people with and without intellectual disabilities live together.
The new facility was developed in partnership with Community Living BC, BC Housing and the City of Burnaby – and three levels of government pitched in $13.6 million dollars to help build it.
"Council is proud to have been included in the success of this project," Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley said in the release. "We applaud L'Arche's efforts to look beyond its needs and include others in this uniquely designed building. They are demonstrating that they care and that everyone can make a difference."
L'Arche said the facility will allow it to expand its community inclusion programs and welcome 10 adults with developmental disabilities who can live there semi-independently surrounded by a supportive community.
"We're very proud of what we’ve accomplished and very grateful for everyone who joined us in making this dream a reality," L'Arche Greater Vancouver's executive director FeiFei Peng said in the release.
L'Arche is an international movement founded in France in 1964 that now has 146 communities in 35 countries.
L'Arche Greater Vancouver has supported adults with developmental disabilities since 1974.
Follow Cornelia Naylor on X/Twitter @CorNaylor
Email cnaylor@burnabynow.com
