People who are experiencing homelessness face many challenges, both emotional and physical, that make it even more difficult for them to get back on their feet. Some of the challenges that those who are experience homelessness are facing include:
Food and Shelter Insecurity
Those who are experiencing homelessness do not have a place to call home. This can include those people who are spending their nights in homeless shelters, the streets, abandoned buildings, or even on the couch at a friend or family member’s home.
The lack of shelter, coupled with food insecurity (not knowing where the next meal is coming from), only makes it more difficult for those experiencing homelessness to get back on their feet.
Income Insecurity
Many people who are experiencing homelessness do have some sort of income. However, their income might come infrequently, adding to the stress of living on the street. This situation also makes it more difficult to save money to find an apartment or home to rent.
Healthcare Insecurity
Since many people experiencing homelessness do not have a regular income, healthcare is more difficult to obtain. That means that seeing a doctor, going to a dentist or getting necessary medical treatment is often too expensive. The lack of medical attention that those experiencing homelessness receive adds the potential for increased levels of disease and health complications.
Basic Need Insecurity
Experiencing homelessness, whether it is on a one-time or chronic basis, can leave basic needs ignored. Warmth, dry clothes, water and food are never guaranteed each day. Without basic human needs being met, those experiencing homelessness might their situation more difficult to overcome.
At Joy Junction, we offer those experiencing homelessness a hand up out of poverty and a state of food insecurity. Join Joy Junction in our effort to end homelessness in New Mexico. Whether it’s a donation of time or other resources, we appreciate any help that you can offer. Every little bit counts to help those experiencing homelessness in New Mexico. Donate or volunteer today!
