Frequently Asked Questions - Homeless Shelter Albuquerque - Family Assistance

What is Joy Junction?

Joy Junction is a 501(c)3 faith-based church ministry, founded in 1986, that provides both emergency and short-term food, housing, and counseling for homeless men, women, and families. We are the largest shelter for families in the state, with the capacity to serve over 200,000 meals each year to men, women, and children.

Our services address our guests’ physical needs, as well as their emotional and spiritual needs. With food, shelter, and safety, we make every effort to help homeless individuals get back on their feet

Can Joy Junction help with rent or utilities?

Please see our “Family Assistance for the Homeless” page under the “Receive Assistance” tab, or click here: Family Assistance

There are many ways in which you are able to donate to Joy Junction and help the homeless of Albuquerque. You can:

Make a tax-deductible donation of your money
Bring canned/bottled food and food service items, clothing, or hygiene products to Joy Junction in person
Generously donate your time and talents helping to serve lunch, laying out mats, or perform a number of other activities
Purchase a gift from our Dollar Days Wish List

Because we are a nonprofit, donations-only organization, we gladly accept almost anything a person is willing to contribute as long as it is in good condition.

Does Joy Junction share my information?

Privacy Policy: Joy Junction has never shared donor information, nor do we plan to start. We do not rent, trade, sell, transfer, or distribute any personal information collected on this site or by other means for any reason at any time. Your trust in us is important and we value your privacy.

What can I donate to Joy Junction?

You can donate food to Joy Junction.

You can donate your time.

You can donate a vehicle.

You can donate a variety of other items for use at our shelter or thrift shoppe.

We also can accept a variety of new or gently used items that can be sold in our Thrift Shoppe, where all the proceeds go toward helping Joy Junction’s mission of serving the homeless in Albuquerque. There are some donation restrictions, however, because not everything we receive can be used at our shelter due to health codes or other legal reasons. To see a full list of the things we are unable to take as donations, please click on the “How to Help” tab. At the bottom of the landing page, you will find a list. Thank you!

Are My Donations Tax Deductible?

Yes. However, it is important to consult with your accountant to discuss the maximum amount that is tax deductible. Remember, U.S. tax laws change regularly and your accountant will have all of the information you need.

Who does Joy Junction serve?

How long can a guest stay?

How is Joy Junction funded?

Who refers families to Joy Junction?

Families in need of our services are referred to us from agencies, churches, hospitals, and a variety of other sources. Joy Junction coordinates with the work of other agencies such as the Albuquerque Rescue Mission, the police and sheriff’s departments, and hospital emergency rooms. We invite you to get involved in any way you feel comfortable. Call us at 505-877-6967 to refer the homeless whom you see in your community. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Help Us Provide a Hand Up

Joy Junction is open to anyone in need of our short-term or long-term services. We are completely nonprofit and receive no city, state, or federal government funding. Whether it’s your time, talent, or monetary gifts, please consider donating to Joy Junction. Help us give a hand up, not a handout, to those in need in Albuquerque, New Mexico.