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.
A veteran needs helpUse when someone served in the military, Guard or Reserve and needs housing, health care, benefits or their discharge papers.
Needs military discharge papers (DD-214)Use when a veteran (or the family of a veteran who died) needs a copy of the DD-214 discharge papers for VA benefits, housing, a job, an ID, or a burial.
A veteran's family member needs helpUse when a spouse, child, parent or caregiver of a veteran or service member needs benefits, health coverage, counseling, money help or burial help.
Veterans post: fellowship, referrals and possible emergency helpconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · Faith and community
Silver City's American Legion post (Allingham-Golding Post 18). Veterans can find fellowship and ask about help with benefits; the post has given holiday food baskets to families in need. Email post18nm@gmail.com.
Lawyers Serving Warriors: free help with discharge upgradesconfirmed October 2026
Legal help, courts and re-entry · Veterans
Free volunteer lawyers for veterans of any era, anywhere, on 4 Defense Department issues: discharge upgrades (an other-than-honorable discharge can block VA benefits), medical retirement, Combat-Related Special Compensation and TSGLI. Apply online.
Who it's for: Veterans and service members needing help with a discharge upgrade, medical retirement, CRSC or TSGLI. Does NOT take VA claims, criminal, family or other cases.
NM Department of Veterans Services - Benefits Division2 services
State veteran property tax exemptions and reduced vehicle feesconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Veterans · Utilities and bills
Up to $10,000 off the taxable value of a veteran's property; full exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability on their home; reduced car registration for veterans without enough property; free state park pass.
Who it's for: NM-resident veterans (honorable discharge) and unmarried surviving spouses; disabled veteran exemption requires a VA service-connected disability rating.
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.
Veteran employment services and Jobs4Vetsconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · Veterans
Veterans and eligible spouses get first access to job services. Veteran Employment Representatives at America's Job Centers help with job search, training and employer connections. Jobs4Vets job board online.
Veterans Justice Outreach (veterans in jail or court)confirmed October 2026
Mental health and crisis · Legal help, courts and re-entry · Veterans
VA staff work with jails, courts and police so veterans who are arrested, in jail or leaving incarceration get VA mental health and substance use treatment and housing help.
Veterans Justice Outreach and Health Care for Re-entry Veteransconfirmed October 2026
Legal help, courts and re-entry · Veterans
VA staff work with veterans in jail, in court (including treatment courts) or leaving prison. They link them to VA mental health, addiction treatment, housing and other VA services and plan for release.
Who it's for: Veterans involved with the justice system: arrested, in jail, facing court, or within months of release from state or federal prison. VA health care eligibility applies to some services.
Bring: DD-214 if available; name of the jail/court and case information.
24/7 support line for families of fallen military membersconfirmed October 2026
Mental health and crisis · Veterans · Death and burial
Free 24/7 helpline, peer mentors, grief support groups and casework for anyone grieving the death of someone who served in the military (any cause of death, including suicide or illness).
Who it's for: Family members, friends and fellow service members grieving the death of anyone who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, no matter how or when they died.
Free headstone, marker or medallion for a veteran's graveconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · Death and burial
VA provides a government headstone or marker (or a medallion for a private headstone) for an eligible veteran's grave in any cemetery, including private and unmarked graves. Apply with VA Form 40-1330.
Who it's for: Veterans not dishonorably discharged and service members who died on active duty (minimum service rules apply). Spouses/children only in national, state or tribal veterans cemeteries.
Bring: Copy of DD214 or other discharge papers (not originals); VA Form 40-1330
Vet Center Call Center (24/7 talk line, readjustment counseling)confirmed October 2026
Mental health and crisis · Veterans
Free, confidential 24/7 line staffed by combat veterans and family members. Talk about military experience or getting back to civilian life, and get connected to the nearest Vet Center for free counseling (including military sexual trauma).
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Veterans
Free photo ID card for veterans enrolled in VA health care. Request online (upload photo and ID) or ask the VA enrollment coordinator or at your next VA visit (Silver City VA clinic) to get the photo taken.
CHAMPVA health coverage for families of certain disabled or deceased veteransnot yet confirmed: call first
Medical care · Benefits · Veterans
Health coverage that shares the cost of care for the spouse or children of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from service, or who died from a service-connected condition. Not for people who can get TRICARE.
Who it's for: Spouse, surviving spouse or dependent child of a veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or who died from one; not eligible for TRICARE
Bring: VA Form 10-10d; veteran's VA rating or death papers; marriage or birth certificates; Medicare card if 65+
Veterans burial allowance and plot allowance (incl. unclaimed veterans)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Veterans · Death and burial
VA pays part of burial and funeral costs for eligible veterans (about $1,032 burial plus $1,032 plot allowance for deaths on or after Oct 1, 2026), and pays whoever buries an unclaimed veteran. Can also cover transport to a national cemetery.
Who it's for: Whoever paid the funeral costs (family, friend, funeral home or organization) for a veteran not dishonorably discharged who died of a service-connected cause, under VA care, or while getting VA pension/compensation, among other conditions
Bring: Death certificate, funeral receipts, veteran's discharge papers
SSVF veteran rent, deposit and rehousing help (serves Grant County)confirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Veterans · Utilities and bills
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, rent and utility payments and case management for veterans. Grant, Hidalgo, Luna and Sierra counties are in its service area.
Who it's for: Veterans (Active, Reserve or National Guard service) or an un-remarried surviving spouse, living in New Mexico, who are homeless or at risk of losing housing. Discharge must not be dishonorable; some programs need other-than-dishonorable or specific service. Apply even without a DD214 or ID - they will help.
Bring: DD214 or discharge papers if you have them, ID, proof of income, lease or eviction notice
24/7 veteran peer support lineconfirmed October 2026
Mental health and crisis · Veterans
Confidential 24/7 peer support by phone, chat or email from fellow veterans and military family members. Separate from the VA; talking does not affect benefits or status.
Marine Corps League - Gaffney-Oglesby Detachment 1328
Marine veterans group: fellowship, referrals and helpnot yet confirmed: call first
Veterans
Local group of Marine Corps veterans. Fellowship and support for Marines, veterans and families. Local veterans groups told a state committee in Aug 2026 they run food drives, potlucks, rides to appointments and help with veterans' funerals.
America's Job Center New Mexico - Southwestern Area (SAWDB / SCCOG)
Veteran employment servicesconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · Veterans · 1 miles from Silver City
Veterans and eligible spouses get priority service, a veteran-only computer, early access to new job postings, resume help that translates military skills, and referrals to partner agencies.
Disabled American Veterans chapterconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · 1 miles from Silver City
Local chapter of Disabled American Veterans. DAV can help veterans file VA disability claims through national service officers and may assist with rides or small needs.
NM Department of Veterans Services - Veteran Service Officer
Veterans benefits helpconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Veterans · 1 miles from Silver City
State veteran service officer helps veterans and families apply for VA disability, pension, health care, education and New Mexico state veteran benefits.
Where: WNMU campus, Juan Chacon Bldg., Room 138-A, 1000 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: Veterans and families
Bring: DD-214 (or NA 13038), VA award letter and VA letters, NM driver's license/ID or other NM residency proof; widows bring marriage and death certificates.
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.
Where: 1400 Highway 180 East, Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: Anyone
Call first · Free
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).
Veterans of Foreign Wars postnot yet confirmed: call first
Veterans · 6 miles from Silver City
VFW post near Silver City. VFW service officers help with VA claims and the VFW has an Unmet Needs grant program for eligible veterans in financial hardship.
Fort Bayard Medical Center (NM Dept of Health)2 services
Nursing home, rehab and memory care (Fort Bayard / State Veterans Home)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Veterans · Seniors and disability · 8 miles from Silver City
State-run nursing facility with short-term rehab, long-term care, memory care, dialysis, hospice/palliative care, and therapies. Includes the licensed Fort Bayard State Veterans Home.
Who it's for: Adults who need nursing-home level care that the facility can safely meet; veterans for the Veterans Home. Accepts any payment source. Mental illness or intellectual disability needs are screened through PASARR.
Referral needed · Medicaid or insurance · Takes NM Medicaid
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Fort Bayard National Cemetery
Free burial for eligible veterans and familyconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · Death and burial · 9 miles from Silver City
VA national cemetery next to Santa Clara. Eligible veterans (and spouses/dependents) get a free gravesite, opening and closing, vault/liner, headstone or marker and a burial flag; space for casket and cremated remains.
Southwest New Mexico Veterans Transition Center / Veteran's Assistance Center of Luna County
Veterans food pantry and mobile pantrynot yet confirmed: call first
Food · Clothing, showers and laundry · Veterans · 53 miles from Silver City
Veterans center that gives food to veterans, families and widows, has helped with clothing and benefits advocacy, and hosts a weekly pop-up food distribution.
Where: 992 South Broadway, Truth or Consequences, NM (map)
Who it's for: Honorably discharged veterans with 90+ days of service and their spouses; Gold Star parents; some Guard/Reserve members. NM residents get preference on the waitlist. Not eligible: other-than-honorable discharge, care needs beyond what the home can provide, history of violent crime, substance abuse or sex offenses.
Bring: DD-214, income and resource information, admission application
Free readjustment counseling for veterans and familiesconfirmed October 2026
Mental health and crisis · Veterans · Death and burial · 110 miles from Silver City
Free, private counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and their families, including PTSD, grief and family counseling, plus help connecting to VA benefits. Separate from VA medical records. Walk-ins welcome.
Conservation Corps New Mexico (Conservation Legacy)
AmeriCorps conservation crews, fire crews and individual placementsconfirmed October 2026
Jobs and training · Veterans · Children, youth and families · 113 miles from Silver City
Paid AmeriCorps terms doing trail work, fire fuels reduction, and land restoration across southern NM, including the Gila National Forest. Members get a weekly living stipend, paid training (chainsaw, wilderness first aid), food on hitches, and an AmeriCo
U.S. House of Representatives - New Mexico 2nd District Office
Casework help with stuck federal cases (Social Security, VA, IRS)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · ID and documents · Veterans · 115 miles from Silver City
The congressional office for Grant County helps constituents with problems at federal agencies such as Social Security, the VA and the IRS, for example a delayed Social Security card or benefits case. Needs a signed privacy release form.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) - El Pasoconfirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · Housing and rent help · Benefits · Jobs and training · Veterans · 155 miles from Silver City
Helps very-low-income veterans who are homeless or about to lose housing with short-term emergency housing, rent and utility help, VA benefits and job help.
Hospitality House emergency shelterconfirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · Housing and rent help · Food · Clothing, showers and laundry · Veterans · Hygiene and personal care · 200 miles from Silver City
24-hour shelter near downtown Tucson for adults, women with children and families. Up to 7 nights in a 30-day period, with a hot meal, showers, a cot, sack lunch and coordinated entry housing assessments.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)confirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Veterans · Utilities and bills · 235 miles from Silver City
Free VA-funded help for very low-income veterans and families who are homeless or about to be: case management and short-term money for rent, deposits and moving.
Homeless veterans programs and HUD-VASHconfirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · Housing and rent help · Veterans · 235 miles from Silver City
VA homeless program pairing HUD housing vouchers (HUD-VASH) with VA case management, plus outreach for homeless veterans statewide. Silver City veterans can ask the local VA clinic social worker for a referral.
Statewide information and referral lineconfirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · Housing and rent help · Food · Domestic and sexual violence · Veterans · Utilities and bills · 300 miles from Silver City
Free statewide helpline and online directory to find shelter, housing help, food, utility help and more anywhere in Arizona, including a Housing Crisis Hotline.
SSVF and veteran transitional housingconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Jobs and training · Veterans · 300 miles from Silver City
Helps homeless and at-risk veterans and their families in Phoenix with rent/deposit help (SSVF), transitional housing at the Hawkins Veterans Center, and job help.
Veteran emergency and transitional housingconfirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · Housing and rent help · Jobs and training · Veterans · 400 miles from Silver City
Housing campus at the Prescott VA (Fort Whipple) for homeless veterans: emergency and transitional beds, long-term supportive housing and help finding permanent homes.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans Crisis Line (988 then press 1, text 838255)confirmed October 2026
Mental health and crisis · Veterans
24/7 crisis line answered by responders trained in military culture, for veterans, service members and their families. Works even if not enrolled in VA care.
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.
Emergency messages to deployed or active-duty military family membersconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · Children, youth and families
Red Cross verifies a family emergency (death, serious illness) and relays it to an active-duty service member's command so leave can be considered; also helps veterans and military families find resources.
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.
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).
National Archives - National Personnel Records Center
Request a DD-214 (military discharge papers)confirmed October 2026
ID and documents · Veterans
Veterans and next of kin can request a free copy of a DD-214 online through eVetRecs (needs ID.me) or by mailing/faxing an SF-180 form. A Veteran Service Officer can also help request it.
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.
Free civil legal help for veteransconfirmed October 2026
Legal help, courts and re-entry · Veterans
Legal Aid program dedicated to veterans' civil legal problems, such as benefits, housing, consumer debt and family issues. Ask intake whether discharge-upgrade or VA benefit appeal help is available.
Hours: Scheduling Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm (closed 12-1 for lunch); request rides at least 3 business days ahead
Who it's for: Veterans with VA-authorized medical appointments (VA facilities or community care providers), in all 33 NM counties including Grant County
Bring: VA ID card (VHIC/VIC) or government ID with Veteran designation; VA authorization number for community care appointments
NM Department of Veterans Services - Rural Veterans Transportation Program
Free rides to VA medical appointmentsconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · Transportation
Free round-trip rides for veterans to VA medical appointments; reserve 3 days ahead, Mon-Fri 9-5. Grant County is not in the listed service counties; ask.
Hours: Scheduling Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm (closed 12-1 for lunch); request rides at least 3 business days ahead
Who it's for: Veterans with VA-authorized medical appointments (VA facilities or community care providers), in all 33 NM counties including Grant County
Bring: VA ID card (VHIC/VIC) or government ID with Veteran designation; VA authorization number for community care appointments
NM Department of Veterans Services - Women Veterans Program
State Women Veterans Program (benefits help and referrals)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Veterans
State office that is the first point of contact for women veterans in NM. Connects them with state and federal benefits and with help for housing, childcare, legal problems, jobs, PTSD and military sexual trauma.
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.
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.
Holiday Adopt-A-Family, caregiver support and card requestsconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · Children, youth and families
Volunteer group that adopts military and veteran families for holiday gifts, supports caregivers (including free telehealth for women caregivers) and sends cards and care packages. Food distributions exist only in select cities, not in SW NM.
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
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - National Cemetery Scheduling Office
Schedule a veteran's burial in a national cemeteryconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · Death and burial
National line that books burials at VA national cemeteries such as Fort Bayard. A family member or the funeral home calls with the veteran's discharge papers.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Women Veterans Call Center
Call, text or chat line for women veteransconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Veterans
Women veterans (and those calling for them) can get help enrolling in VA care, making appointments, understanding eligibility and disability ratings, and learning about other VA benefits, and get connected to the local women's health contact.
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.
24/7 line for homeless or at-risk veteransconfirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · Housing and rent help · Veterans
A VA counselor identifies urgent needs and connects homeless or soon-to-be-homeless veterans to VA housing help (HUD-VASH, SSVF rent and deposit help, contract shelter) near them. Family and providers can call on a veteran's behalf.
VA New Mexico Health Care System - Caregiver Support Program
Support, training and stipends for caregivers of veteransconfirmed October 2026
Veterans · Seniors and disability
Caregiver support coordinators help family caregivers of veterans with training, respite, counseling, peer support and, for eligible caregivers, the VA's monthly stipend program. A national caregiver support line is also available.
VA New Mexico Health Care System - Women Veterans Program
Women Veterans Program Managerconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Veterans
VA program manager who helps women veterans enroll, get women's health and maternity care, mental health and MST counseling, and coordinates care across NM VA clinics including Silver City.
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.
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.