Peace House is home to four core members: Joy, Jeff, Jack, and Michael.

They are often the house that is always ready to go on outings, vacations, and have dinner with the other houses.
When you walk in the home, most times you can expect to be greeted by Joy saying hello and telling you to “come here” to ask you do something, Jeff playing harmonica or watching the Three Stooges or saying “hello”, Michael excitedly telling you about Casey Kasem or listening to his beloved radio, Jack giggling about blowing up balloons, listening to his record player, or looking for Diet Coke in the refrigerator.

As you walk down the long hallway, art pieces from Rainbow Workshop are hung on the wall, showcasing the creativity and gifts of the core members. Most times, you will find them collectively sitting around the kitchen table and spending time together, remaining rooted in our mission of sharing life together and building mutually transforming relationships.

Nouwen House is home to four core members: Brenda, Tommy, Viva, and Sophie.

When walking in the front door, down the long hallway, you’re greeted with walls filled with photos of core members, assistants, and community members that have shared life throughout the years; a testament of the history and love that is poured into the community. As you’re walking down the hall, Sophie will try to invite you to take her to coffee, Brenda will show you all of her art pieces or current favorite TV show, Tommy will ask you to sit with him and either watch Sound of Music, Oklahoma, or listen to Guy Lombardo, and Viva will lovingly let you hold one of her beloved babydolls, ask you about your schedule, or tell you what’s going on at Pizza Hut or what’s going on in community.

Nouwen house may be known for their love of routine, but they are examples of the history and camaraderie of L’Arche Jacksonville throughout the years, inviting and welcoming you to the community.

Greatfull House is home to five core members: Kathy, Ann, Larry, Sara, and Sonia.

They call themselves the party house but rarely stay up past 8pm. Most mornings or some afternoons, you can expect to walk in and be welcomed by Kathy’s hospitality, Ann’s welcoming smile, Larry immediately whisking you away to show you his amazing record collection or his pet tortoise Benji, Sara greeting you with a simple hello or telling you how much she loves Harry Styles and Elvis, and Sonia eagerly wanting to get to know more about you.

When you are in the living room, looking at the pictures and paintings hung on the walls, you are reminded of the beauty of communal and family style living.

Greatfull House may love shopping, coloring books, going out for coffee, and singing to a variety of different music, but most importantly, they love to host people for dinner and an occasional glass of wine after. Sharing stories, sharing life, and sharing gifts.

When walking into Sunflower House, not only are you greeted with sunflowers on the wall, but you’re walking into history and the ebbs and flows of community. What once was a home where core members were living, Sunflower House now serves as a home and respite for long term assistants. The dining table remains the center piece of the home; a holding space for stories passed down, meals being shared, and lots of laughter.

Assistants living in the home still sit around the table when their schedules align and share life or a meal together.

This house may not be on our campus or occupied by core members and assistants together, but it is still a home, a house that needs maintenance, and a space for long term assistants to rest.