Joy Junction

It’s difficult enough to witness the masses of homeless scattered throughout our Duke City streets, virtually everywhere. Unlike so many major metropolitan areas, ABQ has very few neighborhoods delineated by income; simply put, in much of the city, doctors live next to artists who live next to drug addicts who live next to hedge fund managers. It’s a weird town, just ask a taxi driver. It’s also a relatively temperate place to huddle down if you don’t have a home. Well, until November, that is.
As a father, this time of year is exceptionally difficult to imagine from the point of view (and starved belly) of a homeless kid. Freezing, cursed to suffer life’s ravages through no fault of their own, there are many, many more of them than you’ll see standing near a freeway entrance. I heard the official number on the radio this morning: 1 in 30 U.S. children will experience homelessness this year. I’m betting that ratio is inordinately higher in this city.
Joy Junction is New Mexico’s largest emergency homeless shelter. I’ve visited a few times, only to pick up my daughter, who has donated a fair amount of time feeding the residents. A drive along the property spells out the culture within: underfunded, overwhelmed, people barely survive beyond serious struggle, here. There’s plenty of sadness, dispute and tough stuff happening here everyday. All of it tucked deep into the South Valley far away from Tanoan and Ridgecrest. My impression is that the organization does the very best it can with limited resources. This holiday season, consider donating your time, money or material possessions (they have a terrific thrift store and donation center). They can use every last bit of you.

I’ve volunteered here for years. They have a very structured system on how they go about donations, meals, clothes, etc. They don’t just need volunteers during the holidays. You don’t even have to serve meals. I’ve dug up weeds, moved boxes, help with Christmas presents, and play with the kiddos (they are precious). Don’t be scared to help out. Just call and ask for Blythe!