CALGARY – A local charity is hoping to continue giving people with developmental disabilities an alternative to living in an institution.
L’Arche Calgary supports five unique homes where people can live together under one roof with a new sense of belonging.
Duncan Chute has been living in a L’Arche home for almost three decades. He shares a residence with three other housemates and their support workers.
“People are in wheelchairs, or some people are in walkers,” said Chute.
“I just thank God that I’m still normal and I’m not alone.”
Communications coordinator Debbie McGarry hopes the economic outlook in Calgary doesn’t impact L’Arche and its residents.
“Some would still be in institutions, or they could be homeless,” said McGarry. “It is a great value. It would be nice to be able to help more people.”
Chute said he didn’t get along with his biological family, which caused him to question if he was adopted.
“No one told me I was born physically brain damaged. It was just hurting me a lot to know who I was.”
A fundraising run for L’Arche is being held March 21 at Eau Claire Market, with proceeds going towards day programs and maintenance at the homes.
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