Joy Junction
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Joy Junction is a 501(c)(3) Christian-based homeless shelter and church ministry that offers emergency and short-term essentials such as food, clothing, counseling, transportation, and shelter to homeless individuals and families throughout Albuquerque, New Mexico.[1] Joy Junction's guests can also receive other services for their spiritual and emotional needs. Joy Junction's mantra is "giving the homeless a Hand Up, not a handout, to help them get back on their feet." Joy Junction opened in 1986 and has become the largest homeless shelter in New Mexico.[2]
Founder[edit]
Joy Junction was founded by Dr. Jeremy Reynalds in 1986.[2] Dr. Jeremy Reynalds was born in England and immigrated to the United States in 1978, where he himself was homeless for a time.[3] He has an autobiography, titled From Destitute to Ph.D.: My Homeless Journey.[3] He died in 2018, but his work continues at Joy Junction.[4][5]
Organization and service to the homeless[edit]
Joy Junction's goal is to provide for the basic physical needs, as well as the spiritual needs, of the homeless in Albuquerque.[2] The ministry strives to help adults return to society as active, functional members able to assist others in similar situations. Some neighborhoods have requested that the shelter's mobile truck not operate in their area.[6]
Guests at Joy Junction may stay as long as necessary, including a stay in Joy Junction's long-term transitional housing.[2] All persons in need are accepted at Joy Junction regardless of their identity.[1] On average, Joy Junction serves as many as 300 people per day, including as many as 60 to 80 children; over 16,000 meals are provided to the homeless in Albuquerque every month, and 200,000 every year.[2][7] A thrift shop was also added in 2023.[8]
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, their shelter accommodated an estimated 300 individuals nightly. They also provided private transportation, as an alternative for public transposition.[9]
Funding[edit]
Joy Junction relies on donations from individuals and businesses throughout New Mexico. Because Joy Junction is a non-profit donations-only charitable organization, the ministry receives no federal, state, or local funding.[10] The entire program is funded through donations from individuals, businesses, and churches in and around Albuquerque.[2] Joy Junction accepts donations such as:
- Monetary gifts
- Volunteered time and talent
- Clothing, food, cars, household items, hygiene products, linens and furniture[10]
Joy Junction also hosts public events to aid with its funding, such as the 2023 Halloween "Trick-or-Treat So Others May Eat" program which encourages the donations of canned goods.[11]
External links[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Home". Homeless Shelter Albuquerque - Family Assistance | Joy Junction. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f "About Us". Homeless Shelter Albuquerque - Family Assistance | Joy Junction. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ^ a b "My Homeless Journey.com | From Destitute to Ph.D." myhomelessjourney.com. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ^ "Memorial service to be held for Joy Junction founder". July 13, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ "CEO, founder of Joy Junction has died". KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. July 11, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ Costello, Brittany (June 16, 2021). "Joy Junction's mobile trucks barred from serving homeless community in certain areas". KOB.com. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ Gutierrez, Crystal (July 20, 2014). "Joy Junction seeks donations to help those in need". KRQE News 13. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ^ Bush, Chancey (August 25, 2023). "Joy Junction Thrift Shoppe". Albuquerque Journal. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ "Joy Junction continues to serve those in need during COVID-19 outbreak". KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. April 13, 2020. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ a b "How to Help". Homeless Shelter Albuquerque - Family Assistance | Joy Junction. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ^ "Joy Junction hosts Trick-or-Treat at Coronado Center 2023". KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. October 25, 2023. Retrieved December 14, 2023.