News Release from Joy Junction
Contact: Jeremy Reynalds at (505) 400-7145

Joy Junction is New Mexico's largest homeless shelter, and feeds and shelters as many as 300 people each day.

That number shows no signs of decreasing, which places an extra burden on the privately funded faith-based ministry.

While more people are donating (perhaps as a result of realizing how close they are to homelessness personally), as a result of our difficult economy many donors are feeling the pinch themselves, so they're giving less.

Joy Junction Founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy Reynalds said, "In addition to a life recovery program, feeding about 10,000 meals a month and providing about 9,000 nights of shelter a month, we're running our van 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tragically, we've also had to turn away a number of people in the last few weeks through lack of space."

As a result, the shelter is looking for new and creative ways in addition to its web site www.joyjunction.org to tell the stories of its ever increasing client base as well as share ministry needs.

Reynalds added that to keep up with the demand he wants to use every technological tool available. With that in mind, the shelter has just begun "Twittering."

According to the organization's web site, Twitter "Started as a side project in March of 2006, Twitter has grown into a real-time short messaging service that works over multiple networks and devices. In countries all around the world, people follow the sources most relevant to them and access information via Twitter as it happens--from breaking world news to updates from friends."

Those interested can follow Joy Junction and its ongoing ministry of compassion to more people than ever before by visiting our Twitter Page at www.twitter.com/joyjunction .

Reynalds said, "I'm hoping that everyone who reads this will sign up for a Twitter account."

In addition to Twitter, Joy Junction is also on the social networking site Facebook. Anyone interested in following Joy Junction on Facebook can do so by searching Jeremy Reynalds or Joy Junction on www.facebook.com

The Homeless Go Wireless

Visitors to Joy Junction may be surprised to see shelter guests using a cell phone. However, Reynalds said a cell phone is much more of a necessity than a comfort.

He said, "It is an essential component in helping our guests back on their feet again. One reason is the ability of an employer to easily contact an employee before and after being hired."

Reynalds said he appreciates companies such as Cricket that have made wireless cell phone technology available to the homeless.

Reynalds said, "Cricket has no contract and no credit check-something very important for our guests as they pursue the sometimes long road of recovery."