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 motto 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, who immigrated from England to the United States in 1978, in 1986.[2] He was born in England and immigrated to the United States in 1978, where he himself was homeless for a time.[3] He passed away 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 and spiritual needs of the homeless in Albuquerque.[2] However, some neighborhoods have requested that the shelter's mobile truck not operate in their area.[6] 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 government funding.[10] The program is mainly funded through donations from individuals, businesses, and churches in the local area.[2] 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 donation of canned goods.[11]
External links[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Home". Homeless Shelter Albuquerque - Family Assistance | Joy Junction. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e "About Us". Homeless Shelter Albuquerque - Family Assistance | Joy Junction. Retrieved May 11, 2016.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.