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.
Can't read or understand a letter or formUse when someone got a letter, bill, notice or form they can't read or don't understand, because of reading, English, eyesight, or confusing words.
Wants to go to college or trade schoolUse when an adult wants to start or go back to college, earn a certificate, learn a trade, or join an apprenticeship, and needs help applying or paying for it.
A child has a disability and needs help at schoolUse when a parent thinks their child has a disability or learning problem, wants testing, an IEP or a 504 plan, or feels the school is not giving the help the child needs.
Needs school records or a copy of a diplomaUse when someone needs a high school transcript, a copy of a diploma or GED/HiSET, or college records, for a job, training, college, the military or an ID.
Wants to learn to use a computer or smartphoneUse when someone wants to learn basic computer or smartphone skills: turning it on, email, the internet, apps, online forms, video calls, or staying safe from scams.
Free monthly books for children under 5 (Dolly Parton Imagination Library)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families
Mails a free, age-right book every month to children from birth to age 5, any family income. Sign up online or with help from El Grito Head Start, GRMC Beginning Years, clinics or child care centers.
Volunteer: adult literacy, ESL and GED tutorsconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Volunteering
Tutor adults one-on-one or in small groups in reading, English as a Second Language, high school equivalency (GED/HiSET) prep, citizenship test prep, computer and money skills.
Hours: Office Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; tutoring during library hours
Where: 515 W. College Ave. (inside Silver City Public Library), Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: Patient, kind people who like teaching. Fill out a tutor intake form and sign a background check form in front of a notary; Literacy Link pays the background check fee. Some training provided. Flexible schedule.
NM Department of Veterans Services - Benefits Division
Veteran college scholarships (Vietnam, Wartime, Children of Deceased Veterans)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Veterans
State scholarships that pay tuition (plus books/fees) at NM public colleges for Vietnam veterans, veterans with post-1990 campaign medals, and children of certain veterans who died in service. Also in-state tuition for veterans and families.
New Mexico PreK (free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families
Free, voluntary PreK for 3- and 4-year-olds at schools and child care centers (Grant County sites include El Grito and WNMU). Not based on income. Find sites on the PreK map, then contact the provider.
Open Tech Lab - free help with phones, tablets and computersconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Phone, mail and internet
Staff and volunteers answer any tech question and help you start using the library's free digital services (Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy and more). Bring your own device. Periodic free mini-workshops too.
Free computers, internet and Wi-Ficonfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Phone, mail and internet · 1 miles from Silver City
Free public computers (1-hour limit), open Wi-Fi, free scanning, printing (25 cents b/w, $1 color) and copies (10 cents). Meeting-room computers for job interviews, online classes or telehealth. No fax or notary.
Free library card (homeless residents welcome)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · School, GED and reading · 1 miles from Silver City
Free library card for county residents. People living in shelters or homeless in the county can get one; general delivery address is accepted. First card free, replacement $5.
Who it's for: Residents of Grant, Catron or Hidalgo County (plus Hillsboro/Kingston and the Faywood area), including people in shelters or experiencing homelessness. Children 4 and up. Short-term visitors can ask about a visitor's card.
Bring: Current photo ID (adults) and local contact information
WNMU Student Accessibility Office (disability accommodations)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Seniors and disability
Sets up academic accommodations for WNMU students with disabilities (testing, alternate formats, etc.). Submit the Petition for Services form; staff schedule an intake. Questions by phone, email (accessibility@wnmu.edu) or walk-in.
Where: Global Resource Center, Meeting Room E, 1000 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: WNMU students enrolled in at least one credit hour who have a disability as defined by the ADA. Medical documentation is requested at intake.
Office of Veterans Affairs (GI Bill and veteran student help)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Veterans · 1 miles from Silver City
Helps veterans, spouses and dependents use GI Bill and state education benefits at WNMU: certification, in-state tuition waivers, scholarships. A state Veteran Service Officer also meets veterans here by appointment for claims and DD-214 help.
Western New Mexico University - One Stop3 services
Student One Stop (basic needs center)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · School, GED and reading
WNMU basic-needs center for students: the student food pantry, SNAP help and referrals to housing, health and other services. 3rd floor of the Student Memorial Building; weekdays 8am-4pm; bring your Mustang Card.
Where: Student Life Office, 3rd Floor, Student Memorial Building, 1000 W College Ave, Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: WNMU students (on-campus and online); show Mustang Card. The monthly mobile food pantry (1st Wednesday) is open to students, staff, faculty and the community.
SNAP application help and resource referrals for WNMU studentsconfirmed October 2026
Food · Benefits · School, GED and reading · 1 miles from Silver City
One Stop staff help WNMU students with SNAP eligibility questions, applications and enrollment, and connect them to local food, housing, health care, transportation and money help. For on-campus and online students.
Food · School, GED and reading · 1 miles from Silver City
Free pantry for WNMU students: food staples, snacks, fresh produce, drinks, hygiene and household items, and warm clothing. Students may come as often as needed. Also a farm stand of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Free online math lessons and practice (all levels)not yet confirmed: call first
School, GED and reading
Free nonprofit website and app with videos and practice for math from basic counting and money through algebra, plus reading, science and test prep. Use on any phone or computer, including library computers.
Hours: Online 24/7
Who it's for: Anyone, any age
Bring: A phone or computer with internet; an email address to save progress (optional)
NM Higher Education Department - HSE Transcripts (DiplomaSender)
Copy of a New Mexico GED or HiSET diploma or transcriptnot yet confirmed: call first
ID and documents · School, GED and reading
New Mexico orders GED and HiSET (high school equivalency) diplomas, transcripts and verification letters through DiplomaSender. Records from 1943 to now. Try the testing site first.
Parenting classes (Abriendo Puertas and Family Hui)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 1 miles from Silver City
Free parent trainings, in person or online: Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors (child development, early literacy, health) and Family Hui, a peer-led, trauma-informed parent support group.
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 1 miles from Silver City
Free Head Start preschool (ages 3-5) with health, nutrition and family support. Classrooms in Silver City (Main Center, 6th St), Gila/Cliff, Santa Clara, Bayard and Hurley. Apply online or call.
Who it's for: Children ages 3-5 from low-income families in Grant County (Silver City, Arenas Valley, Tyrone, Santa Clara, Bayard, Hurley, Cliff). Homeless children, children in foster care and children with disabilities are actively recruited.
Classes and programs for people held in the jailconfirmed October 2026
Alcohol and drug recovery · School, GED and reading · Legal help, courts and re-entry · 1 miles from Silver City
Programs inside the jail: parenting class and Fathers and Readers (Literacy Links), WNMU education class, WNMU addiction class, NA/AA meetings, and sexual assault support groups (SASS).
The Commons Center for Food Security & Sustainability
Community cooking and food preservation classesconfirmed October 2026
Food · School, GED and reading · 1 miles from Silver City
Classes on cooking basics, food safety, recipes and food preservation. Free or a small supply fee. Children welcome with an adult. RSVP by phone or email info@thecommonsgc.org.
Western New Mexico University - Academic Testing Center
GED and HiSET high school equivalency testing in Silver Cityconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · 1 miles from Silver City
Official testing site for the GED and HiSET exams. Register online with GED.com or HiSET first, then test here. Since 2026 New Mexico test centers no longer charge a seat fee. For classes to prepare, WNMU Adult Education Services in Watts Hall (575-574-51
Western New Mexico University - Adult Education Services2 services
Free GED/HiSET and ESL classesconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · 1 miles from Silver City
Free classes to earn a high school equivalency (GED or HiSET) or learn English (ESL), in person or online. Open enrollment all year. GED/HiSET tests are free for students. HSE classes also offered in Spanish.
Free ESL and GED/HiSET classes in Demingconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading · 53 miles from Silver City
WNMU's free adult education program also holds in-person classes in Deming, including English (ESL) and HiSET/GED prep. Students attend an orientation first.
Western New Mexico University - Early Childhood Programs2 services
Child Development Center and PreK (ages 8 weeks to 5)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 1 miles from Silver City
5-star, nationally accredited child care and PreK on the WNMU campus, open to the community as well as students and staff. Free breakfast, lunch and snack. Child care assistance (CYFD/ECECD) contracts accepted.
Western New Mexico University - J. Cloyd Miller Library
Campus library open to the publicconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Phone, mail and internet · 1 miles from Silver City
University library on campus; the public may use it for reading and study, and its meeting rooms are available to Grant County community and nonprofit groups. Ask at desk about guest computer and borrowing access.
Western New Mexico University - Student Worker Jobs
On-campus part-time jobs for enrolled studentsconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading · 1 miles from Silver City
Part-time campus jobs (offices, library, departments) for WNMU students; useful for clients going back to school. One recent posting paid about $13-15/hr.
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaisonconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 2 miles from Silver City
Federal law requires the district to have a homeless liaison who can enroll children immediately without proof of address or records, arrange transportation to their school of origin, and connect families to free meals, supplies and services. Covers Silve
Silver Consolidated Schools - Special Education Department
Child Find developmental screening (ages 3-5) and special education referralsconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Seniors and disability · Children, youth and families · 2 miles from Silver City
Free screening by appointment for young children who may have a delay in thinking, talking, movement, behavior or social skills, to see if they qualify for a special education evaluation and free preschool services. School-age children are referred throug
Early Head Start for pregnant women, infants and toddlers (home-based and centerconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 8 miles from Silver City
Free Early Head Start for pregnant women, infants and toddlers in Grant County: home visits for expecting moms, parent education, child development, and health, dental and nutrition support. Office at the Benny G. Trujillo center, Santa Clara.
Who it's for: Low-income pregnant women and families with children under 3 in Grant County (homeless families are categorically eligible under Head Start rules)
Bring: Proof of income, lease or rent agreement (if any), child's birth certificate, photo ID
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaisonconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 10 miles from Silver City
District homeless liaison for Bayard, Hurley, Santa Clara, Hanover and San Lorenzo/Mimbres schools: immediate enrollment, school-of-origin transportation, free meals and supplies for students without stable housing.
Free 24/7 Wi-Fi, public computers and library (Gila)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Phone, mail and internet · 28 miles from Silver City
Community library in Gila with high-speed Wi-Fi that works 24/7 inside and from the parking lot, two public computers, books, DVDs, ebooks, streaming, interlibrary loan, children's activities and free garden seeds. Copies and scans 10 cents.
Library, Wi-Fi and copies (Gila/Cliff)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Phone, mail and internet · 28 miles from Silver City
Small community library for the Cliff-Gila area: books, children's programs, copies and scans (10 cents), and free Wi-Fi that reaches the parking lot 24/7.
Homeless student help (McKinney-Vento)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 53 miles from Silver City
Every school district must have a homeless liaison who can enroll kids right away without records, arrange transportation and supplies. Ask the district office for the liaison.
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaisonconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 70 miles from Silver City
District contact (Emily Mendoza, guidance counselor) who helps homeless students enroll right away, keep their school, and get transportation, meals and supplies.
Child care and NM PreK (birth to 5), free for some familiesconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 90 miles from Silver City
Nationally accredited child care and NM PreK for birth to 5, including children with special needs. Sliding fees; free for teen moms, TANF/NM Works families, foster parents, grandparents with guardianship and families under 100% poverty.
The Club of Sierra County (teen center)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 90 miles from Silver City
After-school teen center: tutoring, homework help, computer lab, arts, 4-H, mentoring with adult mentors, college/career readiness. Out-of-school youth and adult learners can use the computer lab and tutoring room.
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaisonconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 92 miles from Silver City
Federal law requires every district to have a homeless education liaison who enrolls students immediately and arranges school supplies, meals and transport for kids without stable housing (including doubled-up or motel stays).
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaisonconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 95 miles from Silver City
District contact (Olivia Paez, ext. 5066; alt 575-728-4511) who helps homeless students enroll right away, keep their school, and get transportation, meals and supplies.
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaisonconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 110 miles from Silver City
District contact (Randall Earwood, Superintendent) who helps homeless students enroll right away, keep their school, and get transportation, meals and supplies.
Dona Ana Community College (NMSU) - Workforce & Community Engagement
Short workforce training courses, career education, adult educationconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading · 113 miles from Silver City
Non-credit division of DACC offering short job-skills courses, career navigation, internships and work-based learning, adult education, and a small business development center, at sites across Dona Ana County.
Project Link homeless education program (McKinney-Vento)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 113 miles from Silver City
District contact (Ray Banegas, Federal Programs Administrator) who helps homeless students enroll right away, keep their school, and get transportation, meals and supplies. District runs Project Link Homeless Education Program; family liaison line 575-527
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaisonconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 150 miles from Silver City
District contact (Deborah Holguin, Coordinator for Social Services) who helps homeless students enroll right away, keep their school, and get transportation, meals and supplies.
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaisonconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 150 miles from Silver City
District contact (Jaedean George-Bugayong) who helps homeless students enroll right away, keep their school, and get transportation, meals and supplies.
Addiction recovery program (men and women)confirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · Alcohol and drug recovery · Jobs and training · School, GED and reading · Faith and community · 200 miles from Silver City
Free, long-term, Christ-centered live-in recovery program for men and women who are homeless and struggling with addiction. Includes counseling, life skills, GED prep and job readiness.
Free live-in job training and GED for ages 16-24confirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 230 miles from Silver City
Federal residential program where young people live on campus for free and get career training, a high school diploma or GED, meals, medical care and job placement help.
Safe Home youth emergency shelter (ages 11-17)confirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 235 miles from Silver City
Emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth with life skills classes, counseling and help with school or GED. Also runs a drop-in center for young people.
Free live-in program for teens who left school (HiSET, credit recovery)confirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families · 290 miles from Silver City
Free military-style residential academy (about 22 weeks) followed by a year of mentoring. Cadets can earn HiSET (high school equivalency), recover high school credits and earn college credit.
Who it's for: New Mexico youth ages 16-18 who are out of school or at risk of dropping out; not on parole/probation for a felony; must be willing to live on campus.
America's Job Center New Mexico - Southwestern Area (WIOA Youth Program)
WIOA Youth Program - paid work experience, HSE help, job training for ages 14-24confirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families
Program for low-income young people facing barriers to work. Offers career guidance, help finishing a high school equivalency, tutoring, job-readiness training, case management, and paid or unpaid work experience with local employers. Run for the 7-county
Who it's for: Low-income youth with at least one barrier (e.g., homeless, out of school, justice-involved): in-school ages 14-21, out-of-school ages 16-24.
Bring: Photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income or homelessness, school records if available.
Free beginner computer skills videos in English and Spanishconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading
Short narrated video lessons (6-22 minutes) for beginners: using a mouse, making an email account, online safety, avoiding scams, job searching. Each course gives a certificate of completion. Available in English and Spanish.
Free online lessons: computer basics, email, internet, Microsoft Office, job seaconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading
Free self-paced online tutorials on using a computer, the internet, email, Word/Excel, Google tools, job searching, math and writing. Good for clients practicing on library computers.
Job Corps (U.S. Department of Labor) - National Admissions
Job Corps admissions line (free residential job training, ages 16-24)confirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families
National call line for Job Corps, the free live-in job training and HSE program for low-income young people. Use it to check which centers are enrolling and to start an application.
Find adult education, GED/HiSET classes and testing centers by ZIP codeconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading
Free national directory and helpline to find nearby adult reading, English, math, GED/HiSET prep programs, and high school equivalency testing centers.
NM Opportunity Scholarship (free tuition at NM public colleges)confirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading
State scholarship that pays tuition and course fees at New Mexico public colleges, universities and tribal colleges, including short career-training certificates (no limit on certificates). Adults returning to school can use it part-time. No separate appl
New Mexico State Library - Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Free talking books and players by mailconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Seniors and disability
Free audiobooks and magazines mailed to your door with a free loaned digital player, plus free downloads through the national BARD app. Mail goes both ways postage-free. A low-cost way for people who cannot read print to keep reading.
Education for Homeless Children and Youth (state McKinney-Vento program)confirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Children, youth and families
State office over school homeless liaisons; publishes the list of every district's liaison and can help when a school refuses enrollment or transportation.
NM Public Education Dept - Substitute Teacher License
State substitute teaching certificate (pathway to school sub jobs)confirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading
Substitute teaching in Silver, Cobre or other NM districts requires a PED substitute certificate. Only a high school diploma or GED is needed (no college). Districts add their own training and background checks.
Who it's for: Age 18+ for grades K-8, 21+ for grades 9-12, with HS diploma or equivalency (GED etc.).
Digital skills assessments, education and certificatesconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · School, GED and reading
Online tests that check basic computer, email, internet and Microsoft skills and show what to practice. Passing at an official Northstar location earns a certificate employers recognize. Practice tests can be taken online.
Who it's for: Anyone.
Bring: Internet access; for certificates, take the test at a Northstar location.
Help for families of children and youth with disabilities or special health needconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading · Seniors and disability · Children, youth and families
New Mexico's statewide parent training and family-to-family health information center. Helps parents understand early intervention, special education (IEPs), transition out of high school, and health coverage for children with special health care needs. S
Free online English and U.S. citizenship coursesconfirmed October 2026
School, GED and reading
Free self-paced video courses to learn English (beginner to intermediate), life in the U.S., nursing-assistant English, and a citizenship course that walks through the N-400 and naturalization interview.
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.