2026 Summer
By a Joy Junction Staff Member (JBF)
As we can see and feel, the temperature has risen again – as it always does in the summer. The AC has been increased to cool everyone off, and the water for playing in or providing nourishment for plants or landscaping has increased, among other changes.
That means utility bills have most likely increased for many folks. That can be a big hit to the pocketbook – especially when the funds were low to begin with.
Then, to add to the stress, we have the issue of grocery prices rising… gas prices constantly changing… and, it seems, the amount of rent is forever going up…
That’s just the way it goes sometimes. One thing after another slaps us in the face. We think we are finally getting ahead on the bills, then we are faced with more unexpected costs.
Life happens, and we experience hardship.
From a different perspective, there are those who have made unwise choices that has caused them to lose all that they owned. Usually, that means their income has been removed as well, so the bank account becomes nonexistent.
Trying to support an addictive habit (overspending, drugs, alcohol, smoking, gambling, internet gaming, etc., to name a few) can run through any funds made or saved.
That scenario sometimes causes them to admit to themselves that they created their own problems.
Being broke can occur for many different reasons.
But what is the solution when it is found that there are not enough funds in the bank to cover the need?
Being hit with the reality that more money than is available is needed causes some scary and deep concerns for those who have lost their job, or are barely making ends meet. All kinds of things probably pass through their minds.
Whatever the reason for the predicament, when the bills can’t be paid, homelessness is often the result…and fear can begin to rule the emotions involved in each person or family experiencing such a distressing circumstance.
As we look around our city and have discussions with the people we are with, we find that there seems to be more and more individuals and families in need of help. It’s a challenging situation for sure.
Homelessness is definitely a serious situation, but it does not have to be the final outcome.
So, even though a summer vacation is not possible at this time for people who are homeless, there IS a place where they can go to have their needs met. Places like ours are available to help.
Adrian (not his real name) is one of our guests who found himself homeless, without funds, and in a bad situation. He knew he was in deep need and searched for help.
I found myself on a journey that I did not expect. I got involved with people I shouldn’t have…and wound up addicted to meth and other opioids.
That wasn’t the way I was raised – and I knew better. I was to the point where I could no longer trust myself when it came to making decisions. I knew what I was doing was wrong. I knew it. But even though I tried getting clean on my own several times, I just couldn’t.
I was so sick of the way my life had turned out…
I decided to get away from everything and everyone I knew. I heard that there were places to get help that didn’t cost anything – since I was broke – and figured if there was any hope for a different way of living, I had to find one of those places and go there.
I found out about Joy Junction and got myself here. I was accepted in and was told about the Christ in Power Program. I fell in love with the program almost immediately because it included reading the Word of God. I needed that. I had been raised with good morals, but not with the Bible. It was new to me and I knew it was just what the doctor ordered.[so to speak]
The class has been rough for me – for all of us trying to get over addition. But, the curriculum is non-judgmental and the Scripture used for it has not been forced down my throat. The class allows people to receive the Biblical message while having the freedom to ask questions. The environment has been so positive, it allows me to feel hope for a clean future.
I am so thankful God led me here!
Some of the people who enter our campus feel “forced” by their family to get help. But, when those who have come to realize (on their own) that they need help and show up at our door, it usually means they are truly ready to work hard and rid themselves of the tendency to make unwise decisions.
They are usually ready for some change.
For those who have fallen into a homeless situation because of job loss or a very low income, help is available to determine if there are resource services for their particular needs.
Either way, our staff is intentional with their instructions – and with their encouragement. For each guest who has sought us out for help, it is our goal to move them forward the best way we can.
We welcome them in and provide for their immediate needs of shelter and food. Then, we do our best to fill their minds with emotional calmness and their hearts with hope for a brighter future.
But, being able to HAVE a future is one of the key encouragements we want to impress upon their minds.
It takes many people joining together to fulfill our mission of caring for those experiencing a homeless hardship. We are so thankful for all those who partner with us so we can keep our doors open and provide the best possible care for our guests.
We are grateful for every single minute of volunteer help, every penny given as a donation, and every prayer that is offered on our behalf.
