The man who founded and runs New Mexico’s largest emergency homeless shelter is turning 50 and celebrating
25 years of continuous ministry to the state’s homeless population.
Joy Junction Founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy Reynalds, who was once homeless, began the Albuquerque-based Joy Junction
in 1986. Prior to that he worked with the homeless in Santa Fe from 1982 through 1986.
Reynalds said, "It is hard to believe that Joy Junction is 21 years old. It seems like a short time ago that
I came up the driveway of our 52-acre property wanting to reach out to homeless families with the love of
Jesus Christ. I had no idea what adventures, struggles and trials would lie ahead."
Reynalds added, "The vision I had was for a refuge where the entire family unit could stay together at one of
the most difficult times in their lives; assuring that the husbands and wives had the support of each other
and the children, while attending schools in the area, could live in as normal a situation as possible."
Reynalds said that his vision is still being fulfilled and that he is disturbed at the ever-increasing number
of people who are forced to call Joy Junction home. "There’s a crisis in Albuquerque with the escalating number
of homeless people," Reynalds said. "The problem is that not many people realize it."
The British born Reynalds relates his fascinating story in his book, "Homeless in the City: A Call to Service."
It tells how Reynalds emigrated to America, became homeless through unfortunate circumstances, then went on to
begin what is now one of the Southwest's largest homeless shelters.
The book also tells some of the ups and downs that Reynalds has experienced personally in the last quarter
century of ministry to New Mexico’s homeless – 21 years at Joy Junction in Albuquerque and four years in Santa Fe.
Reynalds reminds readers that even affluent people can be just a few steps away from homelessness, and that
everyone needs to have compassion on all homeless people regardless of their status.
The book is also filled with details and a primer for how individuals or churches can start their own homeless
ministry. It includes important topics like starting a non-profit organization, raising funds and dealing with
government agencies and the media.
"Homeless in the City" provides practical information on helping the homeless in communities nationwide. It is
ideal for individuals or churches who want insight into this epidemic social problem, or who want to start a
ministry to help the homeless.
The book is available at
Reynalds is also available for interviews and may be contacted at (505) 400-7145.
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