Shekinah Homes Society traces its origins to the establishment of L'Arche, the international network of communities for people with developmental disabilities.

Jean Vanier, the son of Canadian Governor General George Vanier, was inspired to launch L'Arche (French for “The Ark”) in 1964 after he invited two men with developmental disabilities to live with him in his home in Trosly-Breuil , France . Jean Vanier's original vision, maintained to this day, emphasizes a shared life under one roof.

L'Arche Victoria , founded in 1975 by Margaret O Donnell and Maria Daly slowly developed into a community of homes in the Victoria 's Fernwood neighborhood. The organization became the Shekinah Homes Society in 2003 following an intense period of strategic planning. While wholly independent of L'arche Canada, Shekinah Homes Society retains the vision and philosophy established by Jean Vanier.