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.
1Find out what is hardest right now
You can ask"What is hardest for you right now: a place to live, getting around, getting help at home, or money?"
You can ask"Do you have Medicaid, Medicare, SSI or SSDI? Do you have a doctor?"
You can say"You have a right to live on your own with the right help. Let's find it one step at a time."
If someone is hurting them, neglecting them or taking their money, use the guide "A senior or disabled adult is being neglected, abused or taken advantage of".
2Talk to the Center for Independent Living
The Ability Center (TACIL) serves Grant, Luna, Hidalgo, Catron, Sierra and Dona Ana counties. It is run by and for people with disabilities.
The Ability Center for Independent Living (TACIL)
Independent living services and rep payee
575-526-5016
715 E Idaho Ave, Bldg 3E, Las Cruces · Weekdays; food pantry Mon-Thu (call first)
They help with advocacy, peer mentoring, living skills and finding services. They can also be a payee to help manage SSI money.
NM Aging & Long-Term Services - Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Senior and disability help line (Medicare/SHIP counseling)
800-432-2080
· Mon-Fri 7:45am-5pm
3A place to live that works for them
Western Regional Housing Authority
Public housing
575-388-1974
2545 N. Silver St., Silver City · Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm (closed 12-12:30); closed Fridays and state holidays
Western Regional Housing Authority
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
575-388-1974
2545 N. Silver St., Silver City · Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm (closed 12-12:30); closed Fridays and state holidays
Housing Authority of the Town of Bayard
Public housing apartments in Bayard (HUD low-rent)
575-537-2296
100 Runnels Drive, Bayard
At the Gospel MissionThe case worker can help fill out housing forms and keep track of waitlists.
4Getting around
Corre Caminos Public Transit
Curb-to-curb ride by reservation (demand response)
575-388-3180
3033 Highway 180 East, Silver City · Book Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:50pm; rides run same days and hours as bus routes
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (Turquoise Care)
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (BCBS members)
866-913-4342
· Statewide phone/online; booking Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Ride Assist 24/7 at 866-418-9829
Presbyterian Health Plan
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (Presbyterian members)
855-774-7737
· Statewide phone/online; 24/7
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (Turquoise Care)
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (UHC members)
877-236-0826
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico
Member services, including how to book Medicaid rides
844-862-4543
· Statewide phone/online; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
5Help at home and with money
NM Health Care Authority
Turquoise Care Community Benefit (in-home care instead of a nursing home)
800-283-4465
6Know their rights
Disability Rights New Mexico
Free advocacy and legal help for people with disabilities
800-432-4682
3916 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, Albuquerque · Statewide phone/online; weekday business hours
NM Governor's Commission on Disability
Disability information, referral and ADA/accessibility help
877-696-1470
491 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe
More help like this
A senior (55+ or 60+) needs helpUse when an older guest (55 or older) needs food, help at home, Medicare help, or may not be safe.A senior or disabled adult is being neglected, abused or taken advantage ofUse when an older or disabled adult is being hurt, neglected, left without care, or someone is taking their money or property.An older person seems confused, lost or wanderingUse when an older adult seems lost or confused, can't say where they live, or is wandering outside alone, maybe because of dementia or a medical problem.Caring for an aging parent, or a senior who can't get outUse when an older person can't manage at home, can't get out, is alone, or their family caregiver needs help.Needs a wheelchair, walker or other medical equipmentUse when someone needs a wheelchair, walker, shower chair, hearing or communication device, or other equipment to live safely.Can't hear well, needs hearing aids, or is deafUse when someone has hearing loss, needs hearing aids or an amplified phone, or is deaf and needs an interpreter.
See all guides in Family, seniors and veterans →
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.