at Joy Junction Tel: (505) 400-7145
Late Saturday night, about 15 people were either stretched out on the sidewalk or propped up uncomfortably against a building wall.
Joy Junction Founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy Reynalds said it reminded him of a mini version of Los Angeles' Skid Row, which he passed through briefly a few weeks ago.
Reynalds said, "It was heartrending-especially so, as I knew Joy Junction was full last night and we weren't in a position to help. It was poignant that every individual had his or her own carefully 'carved out area.' There were just a few feet between each person who was there."
It is still a few months before the city funded Westside Emergency Shelter will open for the season, and until then the situation doesn't show any signs of improving. Reynalds said the answer is not just to do a law enforcement "sweep" of the street.
"That just moves these folk to a different place and doesn't tackle the problem," he said.
Reynalds said this was the same street he had driven down a few hours before, where he had seen a homeless man relieving himself openly in broad daylight.
"While not negating personality responsibility, perhaps some bathrooms in downtown Albuquerque would help," Reynalds said.
He added, "I know there are problems with that. City officials have told me in the past that portable restrooms are hangouts for drug use and prostitution, but don't we need to do something? At the very least, maybe move it onto the discussion list for city government?"
Reynalds said he also hopes concerned members of the community will pray for a resolution to this issue, and contact their elected leaders to express their thoughts.
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