Hey there, family. It’s Dr. Christ-Lee Lizaire-Ganthier here. As the Chaplain for Pelagie Foundation Ltd, I get the incredible privilege of seeing the "behind-the-scenes" of transformation every single day. Today is Monday, March 16, 2026, and looking back at just this past week, my heart is absolutely full.
We often talk about "housing," but at Pelagie, we aren’t just putting roofs over heads. We are rebuilding foundations. We are telling people who have been overlooked, dismissed, or hurt by the system that they matter. We believe that everyone deserves a safe place to land, and more importantly, a supportive community to help them take flight again.
This week has been a whirlwind of breakthroughs, and I wanted to take a moment to share how your support is turning the tide for veterans, women, and seniors in our community.
Finding the Way Home: Veteran Transitional Housing
For our veterans, the transition from military life to civilian life isn't always a straight line. Many of our heroes face invisible wounds that make finding a stable place to live feel like an uphill battle. This week, we welcomed three new residents into our veteran transitional housing program.
When one of these gentlemen walked through our doors on Wednesday, he told me he’d spent the last four months "couch surfing" and feeling like a burden to his family. The look on his face when he realized he had a room of his own, a space where he could finally breathe, is something I’ll never forget.
Our approach to veteran housing isn't just about the bed; it’s about the bridge. We provide the stability they need to reconnect with health services, find employment, and most importantly, find themselves again. We’ve seen that when veterans have a secure home base, their engagement with mental health services skyrockets. It’s about honor, respect, and proving to them that we haven't forgotten their service.
A Sanctuary for Strength: Domestic Violence Shelter for Women
One of the most urgent needs we address is providing a domestic violence shelter for women. This week, we saw the incredible power of "Yes." A "Yes" to safety. A "Yes" to a new beginning.
Leaving a dangerous situation is one of the most courageous acts a person can perform. But once that leap is taken, the question is always: “Where do I go now?” At Pelagie Foundation Ltd, our domestic violence housing assistance programs are designed to remove the fear of homelessness that often keeps women trapped in abusive cycles.
This week, one of the mothers in our program secured her first permanent apartment after staying with us for two months. She shared with our staff that for the first time in years, she slept through the entire night without waking up in fear. That is the impact of supportive housing. It’s not just a room; it’s a sanctuary where healing begins.
If you or someone you know needs help, please don’t wait. Reach out to us at 470-356-6285. You are not alone, and you don’t have to do this by yourself. You can also visit our help page for more resources.
Aging with Dignity: Senior Housing Assistance
Our seniors are the pillars of our community, yet they are often the most vulnerable to rising costs and isolation. Our senior housing assistance initiatives focused heavily this week on "holistic aging."
We don't just want our seniors to have a house; we want them to have a home filled with life. On Thursday, we hosted a small gathering where our senior residents shared stories with some of our younger volunteers. Seeing that intergenerational connection reminded me that housing is the platform for community.
Research shows that when seniors have stable, supportive housing, their health outcomes improve dramatically. We’re seeing a significant reduction in emergency room visits among our residents because they have access to regular check-ins and a community that looks out for them. We are here to ensure that the golden years are actually golden.
More Than a Roof: Primary Care Behavioral Health & Salon Therapy
At Pelagie Foundation Ltd, we know that a house is only one part of the equation. To truly change a life, we have to look at the whole person. That’s why our primary care behavioral health services are integrated directly into what we do.
Mental health isn't a "side issue": it’s a core part of being human. This week, our counseling sessions helped residents navigate the trauma of past homelessness and the anxiety of starting over. By offering these services on-site or via telehealth, we remove the barriers that usually stop people from getting help.
And then, there’s my favorite "secret weapon": Salon Therapy.
You might ask, "Dr. Lizaire-Ganthier, what does a hair salon have to do with housing?" My answer is: Everything. When you’ve been living on the streets or in a crisis, you often lose your sense of self. Salon therapy is about restoring dignity. It’s about looking in the mirror and seeing a person who is worthy of care, beauty, and respect.
This Friday, we had a "Glow Up" day for several women in our transition program. The shift in their posture: from shoulders hunched to standing tall: after a simple style and a conversation was powerful. It’s therapy in a chair, and it works.
The Real Impact: Why We Do What We Do
We aren't just doing this because it feels good; we’re doing it because it works. Looking at broader data, programs like ours are making a massive dent in the crisis of homelessness. For example, recent studies in similar supportive housing models have shown an 89% one-year housing retention rate. That means when people get the right support, they stay housed.
Furthermore, integrating primary care behavioral health leads to a massive reduction in the cost of emergency services. When people have a stable home and a therapist to talk to, they see a 76% reduction in inpatient medical services. We are saving lives and helping our city thrive at the same time.
Join the Movement: How You Can Help
Everything we’ve achieved this week: the three veterans housed, the mother finding her own apartment, the seniors feeling seen: is because of a community that believes in our mission. We are an organization built on advocacy, and we want you to be a part of it.
Whether you are looking for careers where you can make a difference, or you want to partner with us, there is a place for you here.
Here is how you can take action today:
- Spread the Word: Share this post. Let people know that domestic violence housing assistance and veteran transitional housing are available.
- Reach Out: If you need help or know someone who does, call us at 470-356-6285.
- Support the Shop: Did you know we have a shop? Every bit of support helps us keep these programs running.
- Volunteer: We are always looking for hands to help pack supplies or hearts to listen to our residents.
A Final Word from the Chaplain
Friends, change doesn’t happen overnight, but it is happening. Every time we answer the phone, every time a butterfly-branded van pulls up to a new home, and every time a resident smiles in a Salon Therapy chair, we are winning.
We serve an incredible community, and we are honored to be the hands and feet of this mission. If you’ve ever been told that your situation is hopeless, let us prove otherwise. You are resilient, you are capable, and you are worthy of a beautiful life.
Be part of our movement. Let’s make a difference together.
Stay blessed,
Dr. Christ-Lee Lizaire-Ganthier
Chaplain, Pelagie Foundation Ltd
For more information on our core services and how we are transforming lives through housing and health, visit pelagie.org.
