ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- Ninety-two percent of respondents in a recent Gallup poll said that more effort is needed to address the issue of homelessness nationwide.

Joy Junction Homeless Shelter Founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy Reynalds said he agrees that more work needs to be done to address the plight of the homeless, but he’d like to know what people think are the best solutions for homelessness.

Reynalds said, "With that in mind, I’d like to encourage people to sign up on the discussion portion of our web site. It’s www.joyjunction.org/bulletin. I hope the site will become a well-known worldwide venue where people can discuss their thoughts about the homeless crisis that is facing us today in America."

The Joy Junction web site, Reynalds said, is also a location where people can learn more about homelessness, and read stories of some of the clients at Joy Junction who with the Lord’s help have gotten their lives turned around while staying at the shelter.

The poll referred to earlier also indicated that more than eight out of 10 of those surveyed believe abuse of alcohol and drugs is the major cause of homelessness.

Reynalds said many of the clients who come to the shelter for help have substance abuse problems, but the real issue is why they drink and/or take drugs.

That, he said, is a question that needs to be addressed and a great place to start would be on www.joyjunction.org/bulletin.

Reynalds said, "As I’ve gotten to know some of our clients a little, I’ve been amazed at some of the horrendous experiences they’ve endured. The nightmares some of our clients have suffered include emotional and physical abuse, beatings and rape. They have turned to drugs and alcohol trying to forget the torment they have suffered."

Reynalds said that to encourage a nationwide debate about the issue of homelessness, he recently mailed a complimentary copy of his book "Homeless in the City: A Call to Service," (www.homelessbook.com) to every U.S. Senator and Congressman.

"I think people see the need, but are unsure of what to do," Reynalds said. "If the lawmakers to whom I sent this book will share it with their constituents, I honestly believe that we could soon see some badly needed help springing up to help our ever increasing homeless population."

Reynalds said people can also find more information about "Homeless in the City" by going to www.joyjunction.org/bulletin.

Important Facts about the Homeless

Reynalds said he hopes people will realize some important facts about the homeless and start discussing the issues on www.joyjunction.org/bulletin.

One fact, he said, is that no one wants to be homeless.

He said, "If a person's behavior is manifesting in such a way that he or she is unable to find a job and take care of themselves, there's a reason for it. Those reasons are as varied and individual as the persons in whom they're manifest. We need to take part in discovering the reasons, and finding creative ways to get people to recognize that they can be better and do more than they ever thought they could."

Reynalds said a key factor in helping the homeless is someone believe in them and someone to believe in. "That Someone is Jesus Christ. He is the only one who can change us from the inside out. In Him, we can do amazing things."

Reynalds said we can facilitate the process first by giving of our time, talents and love to those in need. And second, if we are not able to give of these things, then we can pray and give to those who can and do."

In addition to substance abuse, nearly 70 percent of those polled perceived mental illness, a mental disability or post-traumatic stress disorder to be the reason why people end up on the streets. Also high on the list was insufficient income and job loss, at 67 percent and 65 percent, respectively.

The poll interviewed just over 1,000 adults by phone in Sept. and Oct. on behalf of mortgage giant Fannie Mae, which has grant programs that provide funding for low-income housing.

For more information on the survey go to http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g2_n6e6oHPW1vwWLSCe6QpUIW8pQD8STMSN01

To sign up for the Joy Junction bulletin board, go to www.joyjunction.org/bulletin