CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s an exciting time at the Just Do It Movement.

“We’re actually getting furniture for our client that just recently moved into her new apartment,” Jessica Gibson said. 

What You Need To Know

  • More than 3,000 people in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area currently don’t have a place to call home

  • Organizations in the area are working together to get more people into homes

  • Jessica Gibson is the founder of the Just Do It Movement

She’s the founder of the nonprofit that focuses on assisting people experiencing homelessness get back on their feet. She said she felt called to start this organization five years ago.  

“I was driving down [Interstate] 77 praying about whether or not I should start this nonprofit. Driving down 77 a car pulled out in front of me, it had a bumper sticker that said ‘just do it,'” Gibson said. 

Three days later the same car with the same bumper sticker pulled out in front of her, so she knew she had to quit her 9 to 5 job and start the nonprofit.

Recently, several partners along with Just Do It Movement are moving Destiny Falcon into her new apartment after living in hotels since June. 

“I’m feeling so excited right now, I'm feeling very blessed and highly favored. It’s been a long journey,” Falcon said.

She said after leaving her home with her family due to domestic violence, finding housing in Charlotte was difficult.  

Falcon is thankful for the help Just Do It Movement has given her.

“They have gone above and beyond, above and beyond and did not stop until they found something,” Falcon said. "I can't even explain the gratitude I have for them." 

Gibson said she started out small, like most nonprofits, giving out food, clothing and tents. But now that the organization is nearly five years old and has grown to help the community in even bigger ways.

“I never would’ve imagined that in this amount of time that we would be able to be in a place where we’re housing people and helping them get connected to landlords,” Gibson said. 

One of the organization's most vital programs is its ID Replacement Program. Gibson said nearly 85% of the folks they work with, don’t have an ID.

“If you don’t have those identifying documents, there won’t be any housing, there won’t be any employment,” Gibson said. 

She said other barriers, like mental health and financial literacy, are areas they help folks work on to get them into housing, which Gibson said is a human right.   

“It just fulfills my heart, and I'm just so grateful and thankful for all of our partners that help make this happen,” Gibson said. 

The Just Do It Movement has helped 20 Charlotte-area residents move into housing this year.