2024 June #2
By a Joy Junction Staff Member (JBF)
Living in someone else’s home, with their family, is always a tricky situation. Being grateful is a given, but being frustrated with the situation and afraid of the unknown is also part of the equation.
How long will the current circumstance last?
Will the family unexpectedly choose to end their generosity?
Where is the next location for a safe night?
These questions are real concerns. Even when someone is trying hard to get a job, so they can save for their own place to live, it doesn’t mean the job will become theirs as soon as they need it.
Depending on other people is not always an easy choice. Most people prefer to make their own way through life, instead of having to rely on others. But, when unexpected things happen, sometimes depending on other people is the only answer.
Seasons of life come and go. Some seasons feel like they drag on forever, while other seasons feel like they are passing way too fast. The “season” of comfort within someone else’s home usually feels like “the end” is right around the corner, because there is no real definition of an answer waiting. The end is coming way too fast…and it’s scary.
But, eventually, the decision time does arrive.
For example, those families who have been displaced from their own home and have been living with other families during the school year (waiting for school to end) are hit with a hard reality, from the family who is housing them, that the time has come for them to find a place of their own. They are evicted.
When there are no other family members or friends to turn to, that usually means they will be living in their vehicle, on the streets, or in a shelter because of the low, or no, income level.
If they choose a shelter, sometimes, that means the husband/dad of the family will be removed to an all-male facility. That does not make things easier on the family unit.
Therefore, some families choose to stay in their vehicle or on the street to make sure they can remain together as a family. But, what a difference it would make if they knew that each member of their family would be welcome, and allowed to stay together, at Joy Junction!
Imagine the peace of mind that information would give. What a relief they would feel!
Concerning homeless families, but in a totally different situation, we have an example from one of our guests, named Eric (not his real name), who’d like to share his experience. Here’s his story:
My wife and I were addicted to meth. We were so consumed with when we could get our next fix that we lost all sight of what was right in front of us: our family. We were a mess.
Then, I was put in the hospital for a health issue, and my wife decided we needed to separate. It broke my heart. I knew I would have no one to turn to once I left the hospital. I explained that to a staff member and they recommended I try going to a homeless shelter. They helped me with a ride here.
Being a drug addict can destroy your life.
I was beginning to think about that a lot. I was thankful to have food on a daily basis and a roof over my head, but I missed my family – and I kept thinking about how to get drugs.
After a while, when I realized I was getting neither [family or drugs], I found myself sitting in on the program classes. I was amazed at how much I could identify with the curriculum. I knew I needed help to get off the drugs…permanently. So, I joined the program.
The program is Bible based, so God is talked about a lot. Part of the class is listening to prayer requests mentioned so we can pray for each other. One day, I asked for prayer to reconnect with my family. It wasn’t long before I was able to see them again.
By that time, they could see a difference in me. My wife and kids decided to give us another try as a family. She ended the apartment lease, and they moved here with me – and my wife has joined the program with me!
With all of us working together, we have been able to develop a stronger bond – with each other and with God. The program here has helped us understand that God has a plan for us. We are looking forward to a better future!
Being without a home is hard enough. We do not want to add more stress to the life of a family by separating them into different locations. Working through a hard situation together, as one unit, brings about a stronger bond for the whole family. Our hearts are with those who truly want change in their lives and we work hard to help them accomplish that. Part of that plan is to nurture them as a family unit.
They can depend on us to help them through their journey. They no longer need to feel afraid of the unknown future while they are with us. They can truly get to the point of understanding that God is working in their lives, and His plan is good.
Of course, single women and men are included in the plan, as well. We encourage all families and individuals to make positive changes in the habits that caused homelessness in the first place.
We are here for those who are homeless, struggling, and need a hand up in this world.
