Why I do what I do!
My name is Joe Leigh Bacon, and I am the Operations Director at Our Home Our City here in Jacksonville, FL. I want to share a personal story with you.
25 years ago, I was homeless in Jacksonville, pregnant, and living in a shelter.
I had been sent here because my abuser found me in the domestic violence shelter in Sanford, Fl, while I was trying to get help. They gave me a bus ticket to Jacksonville, and that became the start of my journey. It took nearly two years to find stability — secure housing, a job, and daycare for my son (whom I gave birth to while living in a homeless shelter).
Looking back, I remember how something as simple as a bath loofah, a small gift, made me feel seen and cared for when I least expected it. That moment has stayed with me. It reminds me that even the smallest act of kindness can give someone hope during the darkest time in their life. That is just 1 memory that drives me today to help others who are facing the same struggles.
In 2013, I moved to San Francisco and witnessed firsthand the overwhelming magnitude of homelessness there, and was shocked by how many were Veterans. (They serve our country, and the government makes it difficult to survive.) I spent a significant portion of my income providing food and personal care items to those in need. I saw how even a small gesture could change someone’s day, and sometimes, change the direction of their life.
When I returned to Jacksonville during the pandemic in 2021, I was heartbroken to see how quickly homelessness had grown. The number of people experiencing homelessness has quadrupled in the last three years. Today, in 2025, more women are giving birth in shelters. More children, more veterans, and more youth aging out of foster care are living on the streets, where they are vulnerable, afraid, and too often exploited.
At Our Home Our City, we are committed to providing support and dignity through:
• Resume writing and job search assistance
• Bus passes to get to interviews or new jobs
• Personal care packages to meet basic needs
• And beginning in 2026, hopefully, transitional housing and job training to help people rebuild their lives
Each year, we prepare approximately 800 care packages, plus an additional 400 during Christmas, that often include blankets, socks, and underwear, items people desperately need during colder months.
But we cannot do this alone.
We are asking for donations of $1 or more to help us continue this mission.
Every dollar makes a difference — truly. Your support goes directly toward care packages and services for those who need them most.
Thank you for your time and generosity. Together, we can make a difference.
Zelle- Contact@OurHomeOurCity.org
CashApp - $OurHomeOurCity
Online donation - https://givebutter.com/Dec7CarePackages
Warm regards,
Joe Leigh Bacon
Our principles
We believe in showing empathy and understanding towards the challenges faced by homeless working vets and foster kids. Through compassion, we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their growth and development.
Collaboration
Empowerment
Compassion
We empower individuals by providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and opportunities to regain control of their lives. By fostering self-confidence and independence, we enable them to build a better future for themselves.
We believe in the power of collaboration and community. By working together with various stakeholders, including volunteers, donors, and partner organizations, we can create a collective impact and address the complex issues faced by homeless working vets and foster kids.
Cherrilyn Brooks
Carletha Gordon
Meet our Board Members
Board Director
Ms. Joe Bacon
Operations Director
Board Member
( Technology, Fundraising, Management, Problem Solver)
Joe Leigh Bacon has built a remarkable career in the private sector, serving in management roles for tech start-ups such as Granular, Black Girls CODE (non-profit), Nexon Mobile, Celo Labs, and Tanium. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she leveraged her position to address pressing social issues, leading initiatives for these companies to contribute to combating the homelessness epidemic in San Francisco while managing their office operations.
Joe’s passion for service began at the young age of 12 when she dreamed of financially educating youth. However, her focus shifted to homelessness after experiencing it firsthand—giving birth to her son while staying at the Hubbard House shelter. Later, after another period of homelessness, she recognized the critical need for education on credit, saving, and investing—the foundational pillars for breaking the cycle of homelessness. This realization shaped her mission to provide not just temporary solutions but long-term assistance that empowers individuals to rebuild their lives.
Since returning to Jacksonville, FL, in 2021, Joe has observed the growing challenges of homelessness among veterans and foster youth aging out of care. Driven by her experiences and dedication, she has committed herself to addressing these urgent needs in her community, working tirelessly to create sustainable solutions for those in need.
( Real Estate & Contracts)
A proud Jacksonville native, Cherrilyn Brooks has always been driven by a deep desire to meet the needs of others. From her early career as a social worker to her current role as a full-time REALTOR® and leader of the Sweet Home Sales by Cherri Team, as well as co-owner of Streams by Faith and Grace, Cherrilyn has consistently operated under the belief that she is blessed to be a blessing to others.
In her work, Cherrilyn leads a dedicated team that understands a home purchase is far more than just securing shelter—it is a vital step toward building generational wealth. Alongside her team and family, she strives to address the diverse needs of the Jacksonville community through donations, volunteerism, and direct assistance. Supporting individuals and families affected by homelessness remains a mission close to her heart.
Cherrilyn and her husband, Robert, are proud parents of four amazing children and doting grandparents to one beautiful granddaughter. When she’s not selling homes or helping families overcome challenges to achieve homeownership, Cherrilyn enjoys spending her free time reading, traveling, exploring Jacksonville’s beaches, and watching sunrises with her husband.
( Marketing, Networking & Fundraising)
Carletha Gordon serves as the Executive Director of "All About Me," an organization dedicated to fostering education and understanding about Autism, with a specific focus on improving interactions between individuals with Autism and the police and healthcare sectors. As a board member, Carletha brings a wealth of expertise and a diverse skill set that significantly contributes to advancing the organization’s mission.
With over a decade of experience as an executive operations director in the pharmaceutical industry, Carletha has held various leadership positions at Johnson & Johnson Corporation. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional strategic planning, operational acumen, and a deep commitment to organizational success.
Carletha’s extensive knowledge of the complex dynamics and regulatory challenges within the pharmaceutical sector has been instrumental in driving significant operational improvements, optimizing costs, and enhancing team efficiencies. Her visionary leadership and ability to navigate challenges have made her a trusted and highly accomplished professional in her field.