After serving in the U.S. Air Force in a role focused on nuclear weapons, Jexsi Grey faced a difficult return to civilian life, which led to two years of homelessness, living in hotel rooms and his car. This period of adversity deeply sensitized him to the struggles faced by unhoused individuals. With support from local nonprofits, Jexsi regained stability, sparking a profound commitment to give back to his community. Today, he stands as a dedicated housing advocate and collaborator within regional and statewide organizations, focusing on housing equity, homelessness solutions, and tenant empowerment.
As a Board Member and Community Collaborator at Humble Design, Jexsi provides strategic direction and governance oversight. His efforts include board recruitment, member onboarding, performance evaluations, and aligning national and local strategies. He actively engages in fundraising and expanding community partnerships to bolster program sustainability. Additionally, in his role as Landlord Liaison for the San Diego Shared Housing Collaborative (Townspeople), Jexsi leads initiatives to secure shared housing opportunities by cultivating relationships with landlords and property owners. He facilitates tenant move-ins, matches roommates, resolves landlord-tenant issues, and provides education on fair housing and rental best practices. Jexsi maintains a comprehensive database of available units to streamline placement and reduce housing barriers for vulnerable populations.
Jexsi's volunteer work with Humble Design San Diego has been transformative, converting empty spaces into fully furnished, personalized homes for those transitioning out of homelessness. His advisory board membership, informed by his personal experience, ensures each home restores dignity and promotes emotional well-being. His contributions have significantly contributed to the program's success, evidenced by a remarkable 98% housing retention rate. His role in the Shared Housing Palooza campaign, which aimed to house 75 individuals through shared housing solutions, was pivotal. Through strategic engagement and advocacy, Jexsi helped surpass expectations, with 69 people securing housing—a 92% achievement of the campaign's goal. His dedication to humanizing the experience of homelessness and forging partnerships has strengthened San Diego's capacity to provide sustainable housing solutions, showcasing the impact of compassionate advocacy and innovative thinking.