Since 1977 in Honduras
EL ARCA
HONDURAS
TOGETHER
Building communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life, laughter, and purpose.
About Us
More than 48 years building community
El Arca Honduras is a non-profit organization founded in 1977, a member of the International Federation of L'Arche, that builds communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together in Honduras. We belong to a global network present in more than 38 countries with over 150 communities, inspired by the vision of Jean Vanier. We are not a welfare institution; we are people who celebrate the diversity of gifts, promoting a life where everyone can feel valued and recognized.
Here, accompaniment is not one-way: we firmly believe that in the encounter between people with and without disabilities, both are transformed. Since the first home and occupational workshops opened in Tegucigalpa in 1977, we have grown to two active communities — in Tegucigalpa and Choluteca —, more than 10 programs for holistic development, and over 100 lives directly impacted. We have never stepped back from supporting every person who comes to our door.
Discover L'Arche International →
“We are a family, a place of belonging, and a community. We are a different kind of organization.”
EL ARCA BY THE NUMBERS
El Arca Honduras
1977
Year founded
2
Active communities
11
Programs
38
Countries in L'Arche network
100+
Lives transformed
Working together for a more humane society
Our Mission
To make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through relationships of mutual transformation. We work so that every person, regardless of their abilities, is recognized as a valuable member of society, with the right to a dignified, participatory, and full life in community.
Our Vision
To be the benchmark for inclusion and autonomy in Honduras, leading a cultural shift where intellectual disability is seen as a source of gifts and an opportunity for encounter for all of society. We aspire to a Honduras where no person with a disability is invisible, and where communities like ours inspire new models of coexistence throughout the region.
Community Life
More than an institution, we are a family
At El Arca, people with and without disabilities share daily life together, creating genuine friendships that challenge exclusion. Each day includes shared moments: preparing meals together, participating in occupational workshops, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and gathering around a bonfire at the end of the day. Our community life is based on mutual respect, the celebration of gifts, and the conviction that we all have something to give and something to receive.
Transformative Relationships
We base our daily life on friendship. Assistants and core members share household tasks, celebrations, and everyday challenges, from cooking and cleaning to creating art in the workshops, recognizing that we all have fragilities and strengths.
Dignity and Respect
We honor the story and voice of each community member, fostering an environment of peace, simplicity, and active listening where each person is recognized for their gifts and not defined by their disability.
Spirituality
We live a faith that unites us in fellowship, celebrating life as a gift through community prayers, retreats, and gatherings, finding in the community the place where each person belongs.
Our Communities
Two cities, one family
How to Participate?
Join our community!
There are many ways to be part of El Arca. Find the one that best suits you.
Volunteering
Be part of our life by sharing your gifts. Support us with tasks, home and workshop projects. We receive volunteers from all over the world!
Social Service
All career backgrounds are welcome, we have projects in different areas.
Internships & Practicums
Professional space for students in social work, law, physical therapy, psychology, administration, engineering, and more.
Partners
If you have a company or a small business, ask us how to be part of inclusion.
Job Openings
Opportunities to join our technical and operational team. Send us your CV.
Donations
Your generosity transforms lives
To carry out our mission, El Arca de Honduras depends on the generosity of people like you. Our work benefits from in-kind and cash donations.
Savings Account
Choluteca Account
730443661
Tegucigalpa Account
730443681
Account Name
El Arca de Honduras
In-Kind Donations
You can also support us with items we constantly need:
- Groceries and non-perishable food
- Medical supplies and medications
- Raw materials for workshops
- Hygiene and cleaning products
