These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Look at it together, kindly
Take them to a quiet, private place.
You can say"These letters are hard for a lot of people. Let's look at it together."
You can ask"Would you like me to read it out loud?"
You can ask"Is it hard because of the words, the English, or your eyes?"
2Find out what it is and what it asks
Find who sent it, what it asks for, and any due date.
Write the due date in big letters at the top of the letter.
At the Gospel MissionMission staff can help fill out forms and keep track of papers.
3Court, landlord or legal letters
New Mexico Courts HelpLine (Administrative Office of the Courts)
Free court and civil legal information line
855-268-7804
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help
1-833-545-4357
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
New Mexico Courts - Language Access Services
Free court interpreters (spoken and sign language)
505-827-4800
Use the guide "Has a court date, a warrant, or needs legal help".
Use the guide "Got an eviction notice, is behind on rent, or is looking for housing".
4Benefits letters (SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security)
Help them call the number on the letter. Ask the office to explain it in plain words.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
SNAP, Medicaid, TANF/GA, LIHEAP office
800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm (closed 12-1:30pm); phone center Mon-Fri 7am-6:30pm
Social Security Administration
National line (benefits, SSI, replacement card)
800-772-1213
· Mon-Fri 8am-7pm local time; online 24/7
NM Health Care Authority
Office of Fair Hearings: appeal a SNAP, Medicaid, cash aid or LIHEAP decision
505-476-6213
P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe · Business hours
5Speaks little English
Use the guide "Needs immigration help or speaks little English".
6Trouble seeing the words
Use the guide "Needs eyeglasses or an eye exam".
New Mexico State Library - Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Free talking books and players by mail
800-456-5515
1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
7Learn to read better, if they want
You can say"If you ever want, there is free, private help to read better. It's your choice."
Literacy Link-Leamos
Adult tutoring, GED/HiSET, ESL and citizenship
575-388-0892
515 W. College Ave. (Silver City Public Library), Silver City · Office Tue-Fri 10am-12pm and 2-5pm (subject to change)
Western New Mexico University - Adult Education Services
Free GED/HiSET and ESL classes
575-574-5101
Watts Hall, 500 E 18th St, Silver City · Tutoring center Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm; orientations every Wednesday
Use the guide "Wants a GED or to learn to read, write or speak English".
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
Suggest a change
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.