L'Arche was founded in France in 1964 when Jean Vanier invited Raphael Simi and Phillippe Seux, two men institutionalized with mental disabilities, to live with him at his home. Having visited them in the institution, Jean believed that a warm and loving environment would have significant positive impact on the lives of these two men. His desire was to create a home with them based on the values expressed in the Beatitudes. With that desire, but with no working knowledge about persons with disabilities or formal training in the field, Jean, Raphael and Phillippe began their journey together. 

Our founding roots are in the Roman Catholic tradition but with our expansion as a worldwide organization we have become ecumenical, embracing many cultures and religious traditions. 

L'Arche's humble beginning as one man's desire for two persons with disabilities to live with him and share his home, has grown into an international network of communities. Today there are over 110 communities in more than 30 countries.