A long-time volunteer and a local non-profit have been honoured by L’Arche Saint John.

Saint John Non Profit Housing and Greer Stackhouse have received the first Spirit of L’Arche Awards.

The awards were presented during the organization’s Building Community dinner gala on Wednesday.

Saint John Non Profit Housing was saluted for its role in helping to create L’Arche Connects.

The supported independent living pilot project allows adults with intellectual disabilities to live at The Wellington building in uptown Saint John.

L’Arche provides services and support to the four people chosen to take part in the pilot.

“I encourage landlords and developers to forge new partnerships with L’Arche,” Narinder Singh, general manager of Saint John Non Profit Housing, said in a news release.

“Together, we can ensure our developments are more inclusive. I guarantee you won’t regret it.”

Stackhouse was honoured for her years of friendship and deep commitment to the L’Arche community.

“Being part of the L’Arche community has had a profound impact on my understanding and lived experience of what it means to be human,” said Stackhouse.

The award celebrates individuals or organizations that have a transformative impact on L’Arche Saint John and the Greater Saint John community through their commitment to creating a world where everyone belongs.