A free directory of 1434 places to get help in and around Grant County, New Mexico: shelter, food, recovery, health care, benefits, legal help and more. Kept up to date by the Silver City Gospel Mission.
62 organizations, 69 services for Money and banking
Step-by-step help for your situation
Was scammed or had their identity stolenUse when someone lost money to a scam, someone used their name or card, or they are getting threatening calls about money.
Wants help making a budgetUse when someone wants to plan their money, keeps running out before the end of the month, or wants to save for rent, a deposit, a car or an emergency.
Volunteer: free tax preparer (AARP Tax-Aide)confirmed October 2026
Money and banking · Volunteering
Become an IRS-certified volunteer and prepare free tax returns for low- and moderate-income people, or help as a greeter (client facilitator) or computer helper.
Hours: Tax season, about February to April
Who it's for: No tax experience needed; free training and IRS certification each year (usually December-January). AARP membership not required.
Free in-person tax preparation (AARP Tax-Aide)confirmed October 2026
Money and banking · 1 miles from Silver City
Volunteers prepare federal and NM returns for free during tax season, including the NM low-income rebates and Working Families credit. Separate from the WNMU VITA site.
Free online tax filing with IRS-certified volunteer helpconfirmed October 2026
Money and banking
Free online tax filing with IRS backing. File with Help: a certified volunteer prepares your current and past-year returns (2023-2025) remotely. File Myself: free software with support. Helps people claim refunds and credits without an in-person site.
Who it's for: File with Help: household income up to $69,000. File Myself: income up to $89,000 (2026 season). Available in every state, including New Mexico.
Bring: Photo ID, Social Security cards or ITINs for everyone on the return, W-2s/1099s and other income forms; a phone and email.
Housing New Mexico (NM Mortgage Finance Authority)
First-time homebuyer loans and down payment helpconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Money and banking
FirstHome mortgage plus FirstDown (up to 4% of price) and FirstDown Plus ($10,000) down payment help through participating lenders; homebuyer education.
U.S. Small Business Administration - Office of Disaster Recovery
Low-interest disaster loans for homeowners and rentersconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Money and banking · Weather and disaster
After a declared disaster (fire, flood), homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 to repair a primary home and renters/owners up to $100,000 for belongings. No payments or interest for the first 12 months.
Who it's for: Homeowners and renters whose primary home or belongings were damaged in a federally declared disaster area, for losses insurance did not cover. Not for second homes.
Bring: Insurance information, damage photos, income and ID information
Free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnionnot yet confirmed: call first
Money and banking
The only official free credit report site. Anyone can check each of the 3 credit reports for free every week, online, by phone (mailed within 15 days) or by mail.
Free tax preparation (claim Earned Income and Working Families credits)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Money and banking · 1 miles from Silver City
IRS-certified volunteers and WNMU business students prepare and e-file tax returns for free during tax season, helping people claim refunds and credits such as the EITC and NM Working Families Tax Credit, even with low income.
Benefits · Money and banking · 1 miles from Silver City
WNMU business students, IRS-certified through Tax Help New Mexico, prepare and e-file federal and NM returns for free, including credits like EITC and NM rebates that can bring cash to people with little income.
Fresh Start second-chance checking account (Bank On certified)confirmed October 2026
Money and banking · 1 miles from Silver City
Checking account for people turned down elsewhere because of a ChexSystems record. No overdraft or NSF fees, no minimum balance, debit card plus online/mobile banking. After 12 months in good standing the customer can move to regular products. Bank On cer
Free small business coaching and low-cost classesconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · Money and banking · 1 miles from Silver City
Free, confidential one-on-one business advising (in person, phone or Zoom) for new and existing small businesses, plus training and help finding loans. Serves Catron, Grant, Hidalgo and Luna counties; offices in Silver City and Deming.
Small-dollar loans (payday-loan alternative)confirmed October 2026
Money and banking · 2 miles from Silver City
Member-owned credit union with a Silver City branch, listed by the New Mexicans for Fair Lending Coalition as making small loans under $1,000 at under 30% APR without requiring a credit score. A far cheaper option than storefront payday or title loans. Al
Clear Access Banking low-cost checkless account (Bank On certified)confirmed October 2026
Money and banking · 2 miles from Silver City
Checkless debit-card account with no overdraft fees (purchases that would overdraw are declined). Listed on the Bank On certified-account list. Good first account for cashing benefit or paychecks without check-cashing fees.
Grant County Indigent Hospital and County Health Care Board (claims administrator at Gila Regional Medical Center)
County indigent fund: pays hospital, ambulance and some doctor bills for low-incnot yet confirmed: call first
Medical care · Money and banking · 2 miles from Silver City
County fund that can pay hospital, ambulance (including air ambulance) and some doctor bills for low-income Grant County patients. Doctor bills are covered for life-threatening care at a sole community provider hospital.
Who it's for: Low-income Grant County residents with eligible hospital, ambulance or doctor bills. The patient or spouse applies; for a minor, the parent, guardian or bill guarantor; if the patient died, the executor or a relative. Income and other rules are in County Resolution 03-16.
Bring: Photo ID, Social Security number, proof of Grant County residence for the 90 days before care, most recent tax return/W-2 or other proof of income for the past 12 months, the hospital or ambulance bill.
Head of Family and Veteran property tax exemptionsconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Veterans · Money and banking · 4 miles from Silver City
Lowers your home's taxable value. Head of Family: up to $2,000 off for NM resident homeowners (apply once). Veterans: get a Certificate of Eligibility from NM Veterans Services, bring the ORIGINAL here. Disabled veterans may be fully exempt.
Where: 1400 Highway 180 East, Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: New Mexico resident who owns their home in Grant County (one Head of Family exemption per household, on primary residence). Veteran exemption: NM resident veterans or unmarried surviving spouses. Disabled veteran exemption: home occupied by the disabled veteran (up to 5 acres).
Bring: Photo ID, property account number; veterans bring original NMDVS Certificate of Eligibility (copies not accepted).
Property value freeze for low-income seniors (65+) and disabled homeownersconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Seniors and disability · Money and banking · 4 miles from Silver City
Freezes the assessed value of your home so property taxes do not climb from rising values. Apply within 30 days of the Notice of Value (usually mailed around May 1). Must be approved 3 years in a row to become permanent.
Where: 1400 Highway 180 East, Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: New Mexico resident homeowner age 65 or older, OR permanently disabled (Social Security or Workers' Comp determination), living in the home as primary residence (owner-occupied single-family home). For tax year 2026, prior-year household modified gross income must be under $44,200 (adjusted yearly).
Bring: Photo ID with birth date; property address/account number; prior-year NM PIT-1, PIT-RC and federal 1040 (or SS/SSI/VA benefit letters); proof of disability if under 65.
Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico (CAASNM)
Family Financial Empowerment: IDA matched savings, financial classes and free taconfirmed October 2026
Money and banking · 113 miles from Silver City
Free money-management classes, Individual Development Accounts (matched savings toward a home, small business or school) and children's savings accounts, plus free tax preparation. Serves Dona Ana, Luna, Hidalgo, Grant and Sierra counties.
Free volunteer business mentoringconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · Money and banking · 113 miles from Silver City
Free, confidential business mentoring from experienced volunteer business people, plus free tools and low-cost workshops. Sessions can be by video or phone.
United Way of Southwest New Mexico / City of Las Cruces
Passport to Financial Success (free class with $300 savings match)confirmed October 2026
Money and banking · 113 miles from Silver City
Free six-session class on budgeting, credit and debt held at Las Cruces City Hall (English and Spanish). People who attend every session and save $150 during the class get a $300 match.
Small business training, consulting and microloans ($500-$150,000)confirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · Money and banking · 113 miles from Silver City
Nonprofit lender and business center (CDFI) offering business classes, one-on-one consulting, and small loans for people who can't get bank loans. Includes a Women's Business Center open to everyone.
Representative payee (money management) for Social Security benefitsnot yet confirmed: call first
Benefits · Seniors and disability · Money and banking · 113 miles from Silver City
Nonprofit organizational payee based in Las Cruces that receives a person's Social Security/SSI check and uses it to pay rent, bills and needs. Covers Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra, Dona Ana, Otero, Lincoln and Chaves counties. Toll-free line also listed:
Money Management Program (representative payee)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability · Money and banking · 155 miles from Silver City
El Paso payee service for Social Security, VA, pension and retirement income: pays rent, utilities and medicine, helps obtain benefits, and monitors well-being. Bank account is held jointly with Amistad as payee.
Benefits · Money and banking · 235 miles from Silver City
Albuquerque nonprofit that acts as payee for people on Social Security or Medicaid: manages money so rent and bills are paid and daily needs met. Bilingual English/Spanish; listing says no waiting list.
Representative Payee Programconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability · Money and banking · 235 miles from Silver City
Organizational payee that budgets Social Security and VA benefits for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, pays bills and gives out personal spending money. Toll-free 800-358-6493.
Who it's for: Mainly people with intellectual/developmental disabilities; listing says Bernalillo County. Useful only if client is moving to Albuquerque.
Bring: Benefit award letters, ID, guardian info if any.
ABLE savings account for people with disabilitiesconfirmed October 2026
Seniors and disability · Money and banking
State tax-advantaged savings account that lets people whose disability began before age 46 save money (including back pay) without losing SSI or Medicaid; the first $100,000 does not count against the SSI resource limit. Can be opened online and used for
Help paying insurance premiums, copays and medical travel for certain rare and cconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Transportation · Money and banking
Accessia Health runs disease-specific funds that can pay health insurance premiums, copays and coinsurance for treatment, medical costs, and travel to care (fuel, lodging, public transit). Each fund covers one diagnosis and opens or closes as money allows
Interest-free loans and grants for Air Force and Space Force members and retireeconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Veterans · Utilities and bills · Money and banking
Air Force aid society offering no-interest loans and grants for basic living costs, car or home repairs, medical/dental bills, funerals and emergency travel. Retirees get limited help.
Health Insurance Premium Program (HIPP)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Money and banking
Pays health insurance premiums (Medicare Part B, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, COBRA, employer or marketplace plans) for people with kidney failure who cannot afford them.
Safety Net grants for dialysis and transplant patientsconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Transportation · Money and banking
Small yearly grant (about $200 every 365 days in most states) paid by debit card or direct deposit for kidney costs like rides to dialysis, copays, medicines and supplies. Also a disaster relief grant.
Zero-interest loans and grants for soldiers, retirees and familiesconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Veterans · Transportation · Utilities and bills · Money and banking
Army aid society giving no-interest loans and some grants for emergencies like rent or mortgage, utilities, food, car repairs, emergency travel, funeral costs and medical co-pays; usually decided within 48 hours.
Who it's for: Active-duty soldiers, Army retirees (longevity or medical, including retired Guard/Reserve getting retired pay), Title 10 Guard/Reserve over 30 days, and surviving spouses/children.
Bring: Military or retiree ID, LES or retiree pay statement, bills or estimates.
Financial help for cancer patients (rides, home care, child care)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Transportation · Money and banking
Limited grants for people in cancer treatment to help with transportation to treatment, home care and child care; also free counseling by oncology social workers.
List of Bank On certified bank and credit union accounts in New Mexicoconfirmed October 2026
Money and banking
City-run Bank On program that keeps a list of 15 low-cost certified accounts sold in NM (Wells Fargo, WaFd, Chase, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Nusenda, Rio Grande CU, U.S. Eagle FCU and others). All have no overdraft/NSF fees, $25 or less to open and $10
Free help getting hospital bills reduced or forgiven through hospital charity caconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Money and banking
Dollar For fills out and sends a patient's hospital financial-assistance (charity care) application and follows up with the hospital to get the bill cut or erased. Nonprofit hospitals like Gila Regional, and many others, have to offer these programs. It a
Who it's for: Patients with hospital bills, generally lower-income. Eligibility depends on each hospital's charity care policy; the online form screens for it.
Bring: Hospital bill(s), household income information.
Financial help and navigation for cancer patients and families (rent, utilities,confirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Medical care · Transportation · Money and banking
Family Reach helps people with any cancer diagnosis, of any age, pay everyday costs during treatment, such as rent or mortgage, utilities and phone, groceries, gas cards, car repairs, lodging near treatment and some medical bills. Patients can self-refer
Who it's for: People in the U.S. with a cancer diagnosis, and their families.
Copay, premium, diagnostic testing and travel help for chronic illnessconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Transportation · Money and banking
National charity that pays copays, insurance premiums, some diagnostic tests and travel costs to treatment for people with covered chronic or life-altering diseases.
Free debt and credit counseling by phoneconfirmed October 2026
Money and banking
National nonprofit (NFCC member) whose counselors give free one-on-one budget and debt counseling, debt management plans, and help with collections; no appointment needed to call.
Grants for copays, deductibles and premiumsconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Money and banking
Disease-specific funds that help insured people pay prescription copays, coinsurance, deductibles and health insurance premiums for up to 12 months, then reapply.
Who it's for: Has health insurance (including Medicare or Medicaid) that partly covers treatment, disease fund open, income up to about 300-500% of poverty, treated in the U.S.
Bring: Insurance information, prescriber name, diagnosis and treatment.
Who it's for: Active-duty, Guard and Reserve members and families; recently separated veterans for a limited time after leaving service (check eligibility page).
Self-Sufficiency Grants: one-time payment of an emergency bill for low-income woconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Utilities and bills · Money and banking
Modest Needs pays one emergency expense straight to the creditor, for example rent after a sudden loss of income, a car repair needed to keep a job, an uncovered medical bill or a funeral cost. It's meant for working households just above the poverty line
Who it's for: Households with earned income from a job who can normally pay their bills but had a documented, one-time setback within the past year. Not for people with no income, ongoing shortfalls or long-term needs.
Bring: Proof of income/employment, the bill or estimate, documentation of the emergency.
Free online self-filing of federal and state taxesconfirmed October 2026
Phone, mail and internet · Money and banking
United Way's free web tool to file federal and state returns from a phone or computer, with chat and phone help. Useful for clients who only need to file to get a refund or rebate.
Who it's for: Household income about $89,000 or less (2026 season); not for self-employment, rental or capital gains.
Nonprofit credit and debt counseling by phone or videoconfirmed October 2026
Money and banking
Connects callers to an NFCC-certified counselor at a member agency for a free budget review, debt management plan options, credit report review, housing and student loan help. Works by phone or video, English or Spanish.
Interest-free loans and grants for Navy and Marine Corps families and retireesconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Veterans · Transportation · Money and banking
Navy and Marine Corps aid society offering interest-free loans and grants for emergencies, emergency travel and disaster-related home repairs, often the same day.
Money to help crime victims with medical, counseling, funeral and lost wage costconfirmed October 2026
Domestic and sexual violence · Benefits · Legal help, courts and re-entry · Money and banking · Death and burial
State fund that repays crime victims for costs not covered elsewhere, such as medical and counseling bills, lost wages, funeral costs and relocation after violent crime. Apply within two years of the crime.
New Mexico Department of Justice (Attorney General) - Consumer Protection
Consumer complaints: scams, debt collectors, predatory lenders, bad landlordsconfirmed October 2026
Legal help, courts and re-entry · Utilities and bills · Money and banking
Takes complaints about scams, unfair debt collection, payday and title loans, car sales and other consumer problems, and may mediate with the business.
NM Aging and Long-Term Services Department - New MexiCare
Paid stipend for family caregivers of older adultsconfirmed October 2026
Seniors and disability · Money and banking
State program that pays a monthly stipend to a family member or friend who cares for an older adult at home, so the senior can stay housed. Caregivers must pass a background check and complete yearly online training.
Low Income Comprehensive Tax Rebate: cash refund even with little or no incomeconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Money and banking
Low-income New Mexico residents can get a rebate by filing a state return (PIT-1 with Schedule PIT-RC), even if they owe no tax and had no job. The size of the rebate depends on income and household size. Clients can file through a free VITA or Tax-Aide s
Who it's for: NM residents with modified gross income of $36,000 or less (2024-2025 forms). Can't be claimed as someone else's dependent. Must not have been in jail or prison for the full year.
Bring: ID, Social Security card or ITIN, any income papers (W-2, SSA-1099), a NM address. Free tax sites can file for people with zero income.
Statewide free tax help site list and taxpayer help lineconfirmed October 2026
Money and banking
State tax department keeps a yearly list of free tax-help sites (AARP, VITA, libraries) by town and answers NM tax questions, including low-income rebates and the Working Families credit.
Working Families Tax Credit and NM Child Tax Credit (refundable; paid even if noconfirmed October 2026
Children, youth and families · Money and banking
Filing a NM return can bring back cash. The Working Families Tax Credit is 25% of the federal earned income credit, and the state Child Tax Credit is roughly $25 to $640 per child depending on income. Both are refundable, so low-income families get the fu
NM Taxation and Revenue Department - Unclaimed Property
Search for and claim lost money (old paychecks, deposits, refunds, bank accountsconfirmed October 2026
Money and banking
The state holds hundreds of millions of dollars in forgotten money, such as uncashed paychecks, utility and rental deposits, closed bank accounts and insurance refunds. Anyone can search by name for free. Small single-owner claims (about $500 or less) can
Who it's for: Active-duty members and veterans in financial hardship, especially deployed members or those with a service-connected wound, illness or injury; see CFA eligibility page.
Bring: Military ID; DD214 if discharged; deployment orders or line-of-duty/medical records of injury; bills.
Patient Advocate Foundation - TotalAssist (includes former PAN Foundation)
Grants for medicine copays, deductibles and insurance premiumsconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Money and banking
Disease-specific grant funds (about 150 conditions) that pay medication copays, coinsurance, deductibles and some insurance premiums. Created July 2026 when Patient Advocate Foundation merged with the PAN Foundation; old PAF Co-Pay Relief and PAN grants m
Who it's for: Has insurance that covers the medicine, diagnosis covered by an open fund, treated in the U.S., income generally under 300-500% of poverty depending on fund.
Bring: Insurance card, prescriber information, recent tax return or income proof.
Pays non-medical bills (housing, utilities, car, insurance) for people in activeconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Medical care · Utilities and bills · Money and banking
Pink Fund pays essential non-medical bills, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, car payments and car or health insurance premiums, directly to creditors. It's for people in active breast cancer treatment who lost work income because of treatment. Grants
Who it's for: Breast cancer patients in active treatment throughout the funding period whose household working income has dropped because of treatment. Applicants must have been working before diagnosis; an employer letter is required.
Bring: Doctor's letter and medical forms, employer letter, tax returns/W-2, bank statements, paycheck stubs, and the bills to be paid.
Individual Development Accounts (IDA) matched savingsconfirmed October 2026
Money and banking
Statewide matched-savings program run through a network of local partners: savers who finish financial education get their deposits matched to buy a first home, pay for college/training, or start or grow a small business. Match has historically been as hi
Financial and case-management help for wounded, ill and injured service membersconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · Seniors and disability · Money and banking
Assigns a case manager and gives financial help with basic needs during hospitalization or recovery, plus adaptive equipment, home and vehicle changes, and job/education support. Has a program for Vietnam veterans with serious service-connected injuries o
Who it's for: Critically wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans of all branches and their families (mainly post-9/11; certain Vietnam veterans).
Bring: ID, proof of service (DD214), proof of injury or VA disability letter.
Representative Payee Program: get, change or appeal a payeeconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability · Money and banking
SSA appoints a payee (person or organization) when a beneficiary can't manage benefits. A beneficiary can ask SSA to change payees, appeal the need for a payee within 60 days, or show (doctor's statement, court order) they can now manage their own money.
The American Legion - Veterans and Children Foundation
Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) grants for children of veteransconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Veterans · Children, youth and families · Money and banking
One-time cash grant (up to $2,500 per current Legion page; older pages say $1,500) to help keep a home stable for minor children of a qualifying veteran, such as rent, utilities, food or medical costs.
Hours: Varies by post
Who it's for: Minor children (generally under 18, or in high school up to 21) of active-duty members or of veterans who are current American Legion members; must show real need after other help is used.
Bring: Child's birth certificate, proof of service/membership, bills, income info.
U.S. Department of Education - Federal Student Aid
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge: cancels federal student loans foconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · Seniors and disability · Money and banking
Federal student loans (and some Perkins/FFEL loans) can be wiped out if the borrower is totally and permanently disabled. Proof can come from the VA (100% service-connected or unemployable rating), from Social Security (certain SSDI/SSI disability reviews
Emergency financial help for veterans and military familiesconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Veterans · Utilities and bills · Money and banking
National charity that helps post-9/11 and pre-9/11 service members and veterans with emergency bills to prevent eviction, foreclosure or loss of transportation; also runs a crisis response program.
USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration) - Benefit Finder
Federal benefit finder: answer questions to see which government benefits and ficonfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Money and banking
The official federal tool replaced benefits.gov. You choose categories (death, disabilities, disasters, food, health, housing and utilities, jobs, military and veterans, retirement, welfare and cash help) and it lists federal benefits you may qualify for,
Financial Assistance for Service Members grant (up to $2,500)confirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Veterans · Utilities and bills · Money and banking
One-time grant (not a loan) of up to $2,500 for basic living costs, paid straight to the creditor, for military families hit by money trouble tied to deployment, military duty or injury.
Employer payroll-deduction emergency loansnot yet confirmed: call first
Money and banking
BeneMoney (formerly TrueConnect, renamed Feb 2026; owned by Sunrise Banks): payroll-deduction loans offered as an employee benefit, no credit score needed. Ask your employer's HR if it is offered.
Some help people need still isn't available in Grant County, like inpatient detox, a local public defender office, and help applying for disability. See the list, and tell us if your organization can help fill one, or if you know of help we've missed.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date
Phone numbers, hours and services change all the time. Volunteers call each place to make sure its listing is still right, so no one makes a trip for nothing. You can do it from home, on your own schedule. An hour a week makes a real difference.
For other organizations: this directory is free to use and share. Download the whole directory (spreadsheet, updated live).
Please credit the Silver City Gospel Mission, and remember that hours and services change: call ahead before sending someone.
Kept by the Silver City Gospel Mission · 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061 · 575-388-5071 · Updated October 28, 2026.
Information comes from the providers themselves, public sources and our staff. It is offered as a help, not a guarantee; please call ahead.