L’Arche Homefires marks big milestone

Forty years ago, nobody much had heard of L'Arche except

Jeff and Debra Moore. They brought the concept of a unique disabled community to Wolfville from Ottawa, but it was already spreading globally.

Now, L'Arche has a presence in 37 countries. Today, there are close to 200 L'Arche communities in Canada supporting 800 individual core members.

This month, I want to celebrate the local anniversary of L'Arche Homefires.

One of five L'Arche communities in the Atlantic region, Homefires is an intentional community where people with and without disabilities live together creating a home, working together and building relationships to make the world a better place.

What sets all these communities apart is the permanent positive housing they provide.

Group homes have their place, but L'Arche is qualitatively different. The Moores promised two men, the late Keith Strong and John MacNeil, life outside an institution. That was in 1981 and Homefires grew from there.

Gi Forsythe, who headed the volunteer board in the beginning, said at the outset that the first house on Toye Lane had a special atmosphere. She said everyone who lived there was, “so accepting. You truly forget some of them are handicapped.”

I can recall so many special moments involving core members. One that stood out to me was observing Heather Pineo's non-verbal conversation with a Wolfville Nursing Home resident with Alzheimer's disease. It was beautiful.

Krystle Wadman's thousand-watt smile is always a treat, while Scott Tattrie is a keen volunteer around town.

While Homefires did face its challenges, Ingrid Blais led the community during a period of renewal and growth. Just prior to the new building opening, Blais reflected on the excitement she'd witnessed locally. She noted that the support received was very humbling and reflected a community that values diversity.

Improved accessibility allowed Wadman on her first day in the new building to use the elevator in her wheelchair and visit Blais. She could also check out the stellar view from the third floor. That couldn't have happened in the old building, which did not boast an elevator.

Blais retired not long ago after providing more than 20 years of thoughtful service. The genial Louise Curtis now has the role of guiding the community. Over the years, young assistants have come to Wolfville from all over the world to be part of L'Arche. I remember one who found time to sing in the choir of the Baptist church.

The community boasts five houses and its newly redeveloped headquarters on Main Street in Wolfville. With about 75 staff, Homefires is the second-largest employer in town.

Converting the former Anglican church hall into a multipurpose home with a notable turret took some dedicated work. The former parish hall was gutted and rebuilt, from the plumbing out to the walls. It involved a $2.6-million fundraising campaign and took five years.

After relocating to 341 Main St., the party attracted what seemed like half the town's populace. “Light and mission that is Homefires,” said the late Rev. Russell Elliott. He'd been on the board in 1981 when the community began.

Board chair Sandy Fraser termed the building project a response to the need expressed by a core member for a completely accessible building to allow for full participation in all activities.

All day programs are now under one roof, so core members can benefit from better facilities and greater interaction when weaving or making candles.

Assistant Joseph Peters said the combined space allows for new opportunities. Programs that were in different buildings now share space, so communication and collaboration have to be improved.

Contributions to the new facility came from close to 700 individuals, foundations, corporations and all four levels of government. Fraser noted the support was a testament to the society's recognition of the importance of caring for the most vulnerable among us.

“This is an incredible community,” enthused former Kings Hants MP Scott Brison, “and this is an incredible component of it. L'Arche helps make Wolfville better. It was out of the way, around the corner. Now by town hall, it is exactly where it ought to be.”

While it hasn't been easy for any of us, the pandemic has been super tough on Homefires and its core members. They couldn't leave their yards for some months. The main building still isn't open to the public and without a functioning shop, Christmas shopping will be challenging for many.

L'Arche is good at parties. Lately, they're doing internal socializing, which must help. I remember so many big smiles, Greg Moore and Heather tossing balloons and Keith dancing on every anniversary. Once he monopolized my brother's girlfriend as a dance partner and gave everybody a fond chuckle.

There is every hope that in 2022 there can be a big celebration to mark four decades of Homefires and a very special community within a community.

One of five L’Arche communities in the Atlantic region, Homefires is an intentional community where people with and without disabilities live together creating a home, working together and building relationships to make the world a better place.

Former Advertiser and Journal reporter Wendy Elliott lives in Wolfville.