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 Sandford trying to get help. They gave me a bus ticket to Jacksonville, Fl. It would take almost 2 years from the time I entered the shelter to find and have stability. It took hard work and determination to find stability—secure housing, a job, and daycare for my son ( whom I had 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 feeling of being supported during one of the hardest times of my life has stayed with me. It is what motivates me today to help others who are facing the same struggles.
After moving to San Francisco, I saw the magnitude of the homeless crisis there. I spent a significant portion of my salary providing food and personal care items to those in need. It opened my eyes to the importance of small gestures and how much of a difference they can make.
When I returned to Jacksonville during the pandemic, I was shocked to see how quickly our homeless population had grown. It has quadrupled in only 3 years. It's heartbreaking to know that there are more women having their kids in shelters, children, veterans, and youth aging out of foster care living on the streets to be trafficked.
At Our Home Our City, we are committed to offering support, from resume help to job searches, bus passes, and care packages for those in need. Later we hope to create transitional housing before 2026 and start getting people off of the streets.
We aim to prepare 125-150 care packages by the end of this year, and we need your help to make that happen. These packages, especially during the holiday season, provide essential items like toiletries, socks, and food—small things that can make a world of difference for someone struggling.
We are asking for donations of $5 or more to help us raise the funds necessary to make this project a success. Every dollar counts, and your support will go directly to the care packages. Every dollar helps.
Please donate today to help ensure no one has to spend another night on the streets or in a shelter without the basic necessities they deserve.
Thank you for your time and generosity. Together, we can make a difference. 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.