2022 May
By a Joy Junction Staff Member (JBF)
This world is full of so much heartache.
It seems that no matter where we go, there is evidence of it. Heartache shows itself in many different ways. But, one way is when the mental health of a person is affected.
Did you know that the month of May is recognized as “Mental Health Awareness Month?” There are quite a few disorders that fall in that category, such as depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and anxiety, to name a few.
But, substance abuse disorders are also included.
You’ve probably guessed that mental health and homelessness interact with each other quite often. When a person loses their interest in wanting to stay on top of responsibilities, or wanting to keep their family and friend relationships in good standing, it could very well indicate that they are struggling with some form or level of a mental issue.
Many turn to substances to try to alter their circumstance – whatever that may be. But, the drugs or alcohol eventually cause an even deeper problem.
It affects every part of their life…and the lives of those around them.
Sometimes, homelessness occurs because people with mental issues, resulting from substance abuse, have developed bad habits and become unwelcome in certain family or social group settings.
They wind up on the street with no idea how to move forward. Many times, their lives spiral out of control.
We have a heart for those who have “lost their way” in this world, because of an addiction, and have come to us for help. While they are staying with us, we encourage them to take hold of the opportunities and services we offer to help them move forward. In the meantime, we provide a shelter over their heads, three meals a day, and a shower to help them feel more at home.
We also offer a nine-month life recovery program to help them break free from addictions or harmful behaviors.
The program is a 12-step system that involves Bible study and training for life skills. Numerous guests (whether they have been in the program or not) have been able to find a job and leave our facility, relocating to a place of their own.
Their lives eventually become as strong (or stronger) as they were before their addiction, or life-altering circumstance, took them over.
However, there are occasions when those who left were not as prepared to face the struggles of “real life” on their own as they thought they were, and they wind up returning to us. We receive them graciously and we begin the process again.
We are here for them! Our goal is to work with them until they have a success story to share for the rest of their lives.
We are always thrilled to hear of the progress of those inside and outside of our campus who are making positive steps toward their new future.
It takes all of us working together to accomplish our goal of breaking the cycle of homelessness.
