L'Arche Portland

Holy Trinity purchased a nearby house in 2012, and its use shifted a few times during our ownership. From 2015-2017, it served as temporary housing for 124 newly-arrived refugees though Catholic Charities' Refugee Resettlement Program and 41 unsheltered Beaverton School District (BSD) family members. With the reduction of refugees entering this country and the evolving model of BSD support of homeless families, however, it became clear that the Ministry House could be used more effectively.

This led Holy Trinity to enter into conversations with several non-profit organizations about the purchase of the house, and an agreement was reached in February of 2018 with L'Arche Portland.

L'Arche Portland transforms the lives of people with and without intellectual disabilities by working together to create home, share life, and build community. Those with intellectual disabilities form the heart of their community and invite others into relationship. L'Arche's vision of disability is "based on the simple, powerful idea that love, relationships, and belonging are essential to all people and that every person has the ability and responsibility to contribute."

The Westside House is the third L'Arche Portland home and the first located on the westside of Portland. Holy Trinity hosts L'Arche@Westside, a monthly community event, on the second Thursday of the month from 6:00-8:00pm in the Fireside Room, and all are welcome!