CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The latest data in Mecklenburg County reveals a growing problem: a 30% increase in homelessness since 2020. A local nonprofit organization says solving the issue comes with the barriers before that.
Jessica Gibson founded "Just Do It Movement" nearly five years ago, right after the pandemic hit.
"I saw the need. I felt the call to step away from my nine-to-five to fulfill this purpose in the community," Gibson said. "I didn't only want to talk about the issue, but I wanted to be able to be answers to the issue and execute some good things in the community."
The organization works with other grassroots nonprofits to help people experiencing homelessness. Their main focus is regaining access to identification, like birth certificates or social security cards.
"You can't get housing. You can't get employment without having identifying documents," Gibson said.
WCNC Charlotte spoke with one man who regained housing after working with Gibson. He asked to keep his identity private.
"Never look down at a person, because you never know what a person's going through," he said. "If you see a homeless person or a homeless vet, there's a reason why they're out there."
He told WCNC Charlotte he spent many years in the Army before losing his job, like many did, during the pandemic.
It was his first time ever experiencing homelessness.
"I get a little teary-eyed," he recalled. "I can't use the restroom when I want to. Take a shower every day like I wanted to but couldn't."
Just Do It Movement took him to get his social security card, a form of identification he needed to gain access to his new apartment. He encouraged people in this situation to reach out to local resources.
"Here I am. I am beyond grateful," he said. "If you can't believe in yourself, then nobody will believe in you."
Gibson says seeing success stories like this brings her joy, but it's a need that will continue to grow if something doesn't change.
" I believe that has gotten worse. Why? Because the housing market has definitely increased," Gibson said. "There's no affordable housing here in Charlotte."
The County is looking for volunteers to help with their next Point-in-Time Count. This helps offer a snapshot of the homeless in the area. Last year, the number of people counted was 2,095.