Hi all,

My name is Joe Leigh, 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. But with hard work and determination, I eventually found 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 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'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 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.

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. If you have any questions or want to help in another way, feel free to reach out to us at Contact@OurHomeOurCity.org.

Thank you for your time and generosity. Together, we can make a difference.

Warm regards,
Joe Leigh
Operations Director, Our Home Our City

2024 Holiday Care Packages for the homeless!

December 7, 2024 Care packages for Homeless Veterans & Foster Kids

Team Members