By Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D. Founder and CEO Joy Junction Inc. It’s never easy being homeless. It’s probably one of the most stressful times in your life, and while we try to do the best we can for those staying with us at Joy Junction, we wanted to see what they thought. With that in mind, we asked a few of … Read More
A Peek Behind the Scenes at Joy Junction-Celebrating Its 30th Anniversary
By Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D. Founder and CEO Joy Junction Inc. How many times do we think of our trash collector, or perhaps the janitor at the office who works late evenings disposing of the trash we’ve generated in the day? As a rule, I’m guessing probably not too often. However, that would all change if they went on strike, right? … Read More
Whether summer or winter, hot or cold, there’s no good time to be homeless.
By Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D. Founder and CEO Joy Junction Inc. Always contending with the dangers of the streets, sometimes debilitating heat and possible dehydration in the summer months accompanied with cold and rain in the winter, homelessness in whatever season is not a walk in the park. Then along with the weather, there’s the almost inevitable depression that accompanies homelessness. … Read More
Two Hearts-One Vision
By Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D. Founder and CEO Joy Junction Inc. People “liking” Joy Junction on social media usually do so because they have a concern for the homeless and hungry, and an appreciation for the help that community support allows us to give. However, all of our staff at Joy Junction have a very personal story, which greatly impacts … Read More
The Chicken, the Egg and “Comorbidity”
By Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D. Founder and CEO Joy Junction Inc. Which comes first? Does mental illness lead to homelessness, or do the stresses and struggles which accompany homelessness possibly trigger mental illness? Then right alongside that question. Does alcoholism result in homelessness, or the misery of everyday living experienced by many homeless people lead to alcoholism? Writing on our Facebook … Read More
Helping Those Who “Don’t Want” Help! Stories from Both Sides of the Bush
By Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D. Founder and CEO Joy Junction Inc. After 34 years of helping New Mexico’s homeless, I am convinced that there is nobody who doesn’t “want” help. While an addict’s negative response to what would seem like sensible assistance-a trip to a detox or homeless shelter-may result in the statement, “Well, he doesn’t want help,” we need to … Read More
Tent City Solutions Must Address The Root of the Issue
By Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D. Founder and CEO Joy Junction Inc. Tent City (via KOB TV). What’s up with Tent City and where should its residents go? This homeless community started in Downtown Albuquerque, and upon its eviction due to concerns of illegal activity moved into a vacant lot in the center of the historic Barelas neighborhood. Tent City residents now … Read More
Albuquerque’s Tent City-No Easy Solutions
By Jeremy Reynalds, Ph.D. Founder and CEO Joy Junction Inc. There are no easy answers for the individuals who at least for the moment have made the area close to 1st Street and Iron home. The city’s law enforcement has given a suggested move out date, and along with representatives from other agencies, Joy Junction has provided food, and offered … Read More
