Reynalds leaves legacy of helping the less fortunate (NM, "Joy Junction" Christian shelter)

The Albuquerque Journal ^ | July 18, 2018 | Albuquerque Journal Editorial Board

[CedarDave]

He was born and raised in England. But Jeremy Reynalds adopted Albuquerque as his home 32 years ago, and our city is a better place because of it.

Reynalds, who lost his battle with cancer late Tuesday at the age of 60, was a tireless advocate for the homeless. He dedicated himself to providing food and shelter for them and to nurturing them spiritually.

He founded and ran Joy Junction, the state’s largest homeless shelter, until his death.

It’s difficult to say how many people Reynalds and Joy Junction have helped over the years, but it’s easily in the tens of thousands, if not higher.

The shelter, located in the South Valley, takes in up to 300 people every night, and it provides more than 16,000 meals a month. They fed more than 1,200 people at the Albuquerque Convention Center last Thanksgiving alone.

Joy Junction is unique in that it allows families – to include spouses, partners, parents and children – to stay together, and it doesn’t accept government money. Reynalds relied solely on private donations so that he could operate Joy Junction as a Christian ministry, citing his desire to focus on people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs to help them overcome addictions and other destructive behaviors. Joy Junction has showers, provides clothing, pastoral counseling and uses a Bible-based approach. The shelter’s current budget is about $4 million a year.

Reynalds worked tirelessly to help others. He’s a shining example of the difference one person can make in a community, and the life he lived is a reminder to all to be kind to our fellow man and do what we can to lend a helping hand to those down on their luck. Reynalds leaves an incredible legacy through Joy Junction and through the life he lived.

[CedarDave]

A good man has been called home to the Lord.

The shelter does NOT accept government money. From the article:

Reynalds relied solely on private donations so that he could operate Joy Junction as a Christian ministry, citing his desire to focus on people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs to help them overcome addictions and other destructive behaviors.

[CedarDave]

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[laplata]

Good man. RIP.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.