About Us
The Need
Our veterans bravely served our nation, and now they deserve our unwavering support to overcome the challenges of homelessness. Let's honor their sacrifice by providing access to stable housing, essential resources, and compassionate care. Investing in their well-being is not just a duty, but a testament to our gratitude and a step towards a stronger, more just society.
- Overall Numbers:
- While the number fluctuates, in recent years, there have been tens of thousands of veterans experiencing homelessness on any given night.
- It's important to note that this is a "point-in-time" count, and the actual number of veterans who experience homelessness over a year is likely higher.
- Demographics:
- Male veterans are disproportionately represented among the homeless veteran population.
- Veterans who served in the Vietnam era, as well as those who served in more recent conflicts, are among those experiencing homelessness.
- Veterans of color are also overrepresented in the homeless veteran population.
- Contributing Factors:
- Mental health conditions: PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues are significant factors.
- Substance abuse: Substance use disorders can contribute to and exacerbate homelessness.
- Lack of affordable housing: The high cost of housing in many areas makes it difficult for veterans with limited incomes to find stable housing.
- Lack of social support: Veterans who lack strong social networks may be more vulnerable to homelessness.
- Economic factors: Job loss, low income, and other economic challenges can contribute to homelessness.
The goal is to get veterans into stable housing, and provide them with the support services they need to maintain that housing.
Where to find more detailed information:
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA provides extensive information on veteran homelessness and its efforts to address the issue.
- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans: This organization provides resources and advocacy for homeless veterans.
- HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development): HUD works in conjunction with the VA on many programs to help homeless veterans.
It's important to remember that behind these statistics are real people who have served their country.
Our mission -Deep Dive
While you know the risks and obligations of the military before you get in, the impact is far greater than you can imagine. You willingly put yourself in harm's way, your apart from your family, and you experience the worst parts of life. A veteran gives a large part of their life so American civilians can live their lives safely.
The fact that there are veterans that are homeless or veterans without sufficient mental health access is not acceptable to Pelagie.
It is the goal of Pelagie to start somewhere and help one of the country's most valuable resources - the men and women who took a pause on their lives to make sure America stays free. No veteran should ever be homeless.
Our history
History of the Pelagie Resource Center
The Pelagie Resource Center has a rich history rooted in a deep commitment to serving the community and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Here is a timeline of our journey:
Founding and Early Years 2015
- Year Established: The Pelagie Resource Center was founded in 2016 by Dr. Christ-Lee driven by a vision to create a supportive and inclusive community resource hub.
- Mission: From the outset, our mission has been to empower individuals and families by providing access to essential services, resources, and support.
Expansion and Growth 2023
- Program Development: In 2024, we expanded our services to include emergency housing for veterans addressing the growing needs of the community.
- Partnerships: We formed strategic partnerships with local non-profits, government agencies, and businesses to enhance our service delivery and outreach efforts.
The Pelagie Team
Dr. Christ-Lee GANTHIER, Founder
Grandma Pelagie, the inspiration
Dr. Christ-Lee GANTHIER, Founder
Dr. Christ-Lee Lizaire-Ganthier is the founder of the Pelagie Resource Center and a dedicated nonprofit leader. She has been involved in philanthropic work since the age of 18, following in the footsteps of her father and grandmother. A former U.S. Navy Command Career Counselor, she has an extensive background in nonprofit work and is a
Dr. Christ-Lee Lizaire-Ganthier is the founder of the Pelagie Resource Center and a dedicated nonprofit leader. She has been involved in philanthropic work since the age of 18, following in the footsteps of her father and grandmother. A former U.S. Navy Command Career Counselor, she has an extensive background in nonprofit work and is a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. She previously worked as a rater and federal recruiter for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to her philanthropic efforts, she is also an author. Christ-Lee L. Ganthier
Patricia Colvin, Board Chair
Grandma Pelagie, the inspiration
Dr. Christ-Lee GANTHIER, Founder
Rev. Patricia L. Colvin has served as an interim Pastor and Pastor of several churches in Northern California from 1990-2017. She specialized in serving marginalized people that needed prayer and help. She has earned her BS in Accounting and Master of Divinity Degrees from California State University and American Baptist Seminary of the
Rev. Patricia L. Colvin has served as an interim Pastor and Pastor of several churches in Northern California from 1990-2017. She specialized in serving marginalized people that needed prayer and help. She has earned her BS in Accounting and Master of Divinity Degrees from California State University and American Baptist Seminary of the West.
She is a retired Accountant and has served as a Notary Signing Agent and Notary Public for the Secretary of the State of California, She was an entrepreneur with 5LINX and she was a Shop Steward for Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
kesner Ganthier, Board Treasurer
Grandma Pelagie, the inspiration
Grandma Pelagie, the inspiration
Kesner Ganthier is the CFO of the Pelagie Foundation and a renowned Haitian Gospel artist. He is retired from GE Healthcare and has embraced his new journey in the nonprofit world. With a strong background in business, he played a key role in helping his father run a successful bakery in Haiti. A dedicated spiritual leader, he is a Bishop
Kesner Ganthier is the CFO of the Pelagie Foundation and a renowned Haitian Gospel artist. He is retired from GE Healthcare and has embraced his new journey in the nonprofit world. With a strong background in business, he played a key role in helping his father run a successful bakery in Haiti. A dedicated spiritual leader, he is a Bishop with five churches in Haiti and serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.
Grandma Pelagie, the inspiration
Grandma Pelagie, the inspiration
Grandma Pelagie, the inspiration
The namesake was a missionary and fed people in the hospitals and prisons in Haiti. Grandma Pelagie was always feeding and helping. Pelagie honors her name and her philanthropy.