Homeless shelter forced to turn people away
Tuesday 09 Jun 2009
NEWS RELEASE FROM JOY JUNCTION.
CALL JEREMY REYNALDS AT (505) 400-7145
Monday, June 8, 2009
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- The phone lines at Albuquerque's largest homeless shelter continue to ring at all hours of the day and night. Many times at the other end of the line is a discouraged family or person needing a place to stay.
While Joy Junction is often able to help, with the current economic downturn the privately funded faith-based ministry is being asked to assist an ever-increasing number of homeless people.
The shelter's space and resources continue to be strained to the limit. Even with the warmer weather, since the closure of the city's emergency Westside shelter, Joy Junction is turning away people nightly because of a lack of space.
A few weeks ago Joy Junction approached city officials and offered to house single men at the old Westside Jail at shelter expense if the city would provide a temporary free lease on the building.
While city reaction was initially positive, apparently closer inspection of the old building by city officials revealed possible code violations, making Joy Junction’s offer-at least right now - an impossibility.
Joy Junction Founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy Reynalds says he understands the city’s response and appreciates their willingness to at least consider his proposal.
However, Reynalds said, that doesn’t diminish his concern about those individuals who don’t have a place to stay.
“I pray that ultimately we will somehow be able to help all of those precious people who are asking for our assistance,” Reynalds said. He added, “I don't believe that the people we have to turn away are in any way representative of the huge need out there. The word spreads quickly on the streets that we're full, and people stop calling.”
Reynalds said, “Sadly, when we have warm weather like we're experiencing now, many people don't think about the needs of the homeless. However, warm weather can be just as dangerous as cold, because it can lead to dehydration and even death.”
He added, “Perhaps someone put there has a building in an appropriately zoned area that we could use free for a few months.”
Joy Junction receptionist, dispatcher and former client Harold Eansor hates having to tell callers that the shelter is full, because he knows that there are usually no other options.
He said, “We do our best to utilize all usable space, but when there is no more space, there is no more space.”
He added, “Those poor souls left on the streets will always be in my prayers and the prayers of Joy Junction.”
Reynalds gave some helpful tips for helping the homeless in the summer months.
Don't give money. It could be used to buy substances that might inhibit a person's ability to sense the harmful effects of exposure to heat and sun. Instead, consider giving bottled water and refer the person to an agency such as Joy Junction that provides food, shelter and other assistance.
Food is always welcome at Joy Junction, which is currently serving about 10,000 meals a month.
Clean, light and loose clothing is helpful for those who have been on the streets, and decide to come to Joy Junction or another shelter to clean up.
Disposable diapers are always needed at Joy Junction. They help children cope with the heat. Diapers, of course, need to be changed more often to combat heat and diaper rash.
Travel-sized toiletry items are always needed, and routinely in short supply at Joy Junction.
For more information about Joy Junction, go to www.joyjunction.org
