ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Jeremy Reynalds, advocate for the homeless and director of Joy Junction, the Southwest’s largest family homeless shelter, is calling for increased protection of the homeless by government officials across America.

“Physical attacks against the homeless are increasing,” said Reynalds, “and they must come to a halt.” He called for police to take extra steps to protect homeless people.

Reynalds, author of “Homeless In The City: A Call To Service” (www.TheatronBooks.com/)   said, “There were 76 murderous hate crimes of all kinds recorded between 1999 and 2004—people killed because of religion, race, ethnic background, or sexual orientation. In that same period, 156 homeless people were killed, simply because they were homeless.”

In the book, Reynalds displays his passion for homeless as he recounts his own struggles and explains in practical detail about how Christians can help the homeless. Through it all, you see that Reynalds is an effective advocate for the homeless.

Reynalds, who was once homeless himself, but now holds a Ph.D. from Biola University.

He agrees with some observers, including Michael Stoops of the National Coalition for the Homeless, that attacks on the homeless are a new type of hate crime.

Reynalds said, “Our culture is becoming increasingly violent as Christian values fade. Many killers of the homeless believe they are doing a service to humanity by ridding the streets of homeless people in this way. Attacking the homeless is becoming a new urban sport.” 

Reynalds noted that attacks on the homeless often go unreported. “They get beaten and robbed, but they fear going to the police.” 
Shelters like Joy Junction are caring for more homeless families

Reynalds said that he believes violent video games spark attacks on the homeless, as does a series of videos called, “Bum Fights” which have sold hundreds of thousands of copies. Video producers paid vulnerable homeless people to attack each other, and otherwise degrade themselves in front of the camera, and many young people think they are fun to watch.

“If those videos showed attacks on Blacks or Jews, society wouldn't tolerate it,” Reynalds said. “We have to ask ourselves why our society allows the homeless to be victimized in this way. The videos have incited young people to violence against the homeless.”

Reynalds takes an entirely different approach to homeless concerns. Joy Junction runs a bus service in Albuquerque to pick up homeless people and bring them to their facility where they get shelter, meals, and an opportunity to join a program that increases their odds of getting back on their feet.

“It is true that there are mentally ill people and drug addicts on the streets. But increasingly we are seeing entire families on the streets because they can no longer pay the mortgage.”

“The homeless are not disposal people,” said Reynalds. “They are people for whom Christ died, and we want to help restore their God-given dignity.”