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.
1 Find out what the letter is forYou can ask "Who is asking for the letter? What does it need to say?"
You can ask "Do you have their form, or the letter they sent you?"
You can say "Many places take a short signed statement from you, or a letter from a shelter or service. Let's find out which one they need."
2 What the Mission can writeAt the Gospel Mission Vital documents help. The Mission can write an address/affidavit letter that says where the person stays or gets services.
At the Gospel Mission The Mission can sign the homeless forms for a free New Mexico ID card and a free New Mexico birth certificate.
Silver City Gospel Mission
Vital documents help
575-388-5071
111 S. Texas St., Silver City · Monday-Friday, 8:30am-1:45pm; ask at the front desk
At the Gospel Mission For any other kind of letter, ask the case worker.
3 Use the Mission's address for mailAt the Gospel Mission Free mail service. Their address is: Their Name, c/o Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061.
They pick up mail at the front desk during Mission hours. Sign up at the front desk.
See the guide "Needs a phone or a mailing address".
4 Free ID and birth certificateA New Mexico state ID card is free for people who are homeless. MVD uses an "Attestation of Homelessness Status" form. No notary is needed.
NM Motor Vehicle Division
Free state ID card for people experiencing homelessness or age 75+
888-683-4636
· MVD field offices: Mon-Fri 8am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
A New Mexico birth certificate is free for people who are homeless, with a signed Self-Attestation form. No notary is needed.
NM Department of Health - Vital Records
Free birth certificate for people experiencing homelessness (by mail or in perso
833-796-8773
· Statewide phone/online; mail
See the guide "Has no ID at all".
5 Benefits, housing and schoolSNAP and Medicaid: they can apply without a home address. Tell Income Support they are homeless and use the Mission's mailing address.
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
Being homeless no longer excuses someone from the SNAP work rule by itself (federal change in 2025). Other reasons may still count.
See the guide "Might be exempt from the new SNAP or Medicaid work rules".
Housing programs like to see a letter from a shelter or service provider. If that is not possible, the person's own signed statement can be used.
New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness
Coordinated Entry (Balance of State)
505-217-9570
· Mon-Fri business hours
Children without a steady home can enroll in school right away, even without records. Ask for the homeless liaison.
Silver Consolidated Schools
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaison
575-956-2000
2810 N Swan St, Silver City · Mon-Fri business hours
Cobre Consolidated Schools
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaison
575-537-4010
900 Central Ave, Bayard · Mon-Fri business hours
6 If an agency won't accept it
New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
Help with SNAP, Medicaid and TANF problems and wage claims
505-255-2840
301 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque · Statewide phone/online; weekday business hours
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal aid (local office)
575-388-0091
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City
More help like this
Has no ID at all Use when someone has no photo ID and needs a New Mexico state ID card for benefits, work, housing or a shelter bed. Needs a birth certificate Use when someone needs a certified birth certificate for an ID, a job, benefits or housing. Covers people born in New Mexico and in other states. Lost their Social Security card Use when someone lost their Social Security card or never had one and needs a replacement for work, housing or benefits. Lost their driver's license, has a DWI, or needs it reinstated Use when someone lost their driver's license, had it suspended or revoked, has a DWI, or needs an ignition interlock license. Needs a passport Use when someone needs a U.S. passport book or passport card, for travel, for a job, or as a strong photo ID. Needs a marriage, divorce or death certificate Use when someone needs a certified copy of a marriage license, a divorce decree, or a death certificate, for a name change, ID, benefits, a pension, a bank or a funeral. See all guides in Papers and ID →
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.
📞 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.