Someone is sleeping in your doorway or behind your business
Use when you find someone sleeping or camping in your doorway, behind your business or on your property, and you want to handle it safely and kindly.
In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
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.
1Check that they are OK
Won't wake up, not breathing or breathing very slowly, blue lips, or badly hurt: call 911 now.
Possible overdose: call 911, give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it, and stay with them.
In very cold or very hot weather, if the person seems confused or sick, call 911.
You can say"Good morning. Are you okay? Do you need anything?"
You can say"I need this doorway clear before we open. Can I tell you where to get breakfast?"
Bring
water
a snack
a card with the Mission's address and phone (575-388-5071)
3Tell them where to go
At the Gospel MissionHot breakfast and lunch every weekday at the Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St. Everyone is welcome; no one is turned away.
At the Gospel MissionOn Fridays, lunch people get a snack bag to help them make it through the weekend.
At the Gospel MissionShowers, laundry and the clothing bank at the Mission. Sierra House is a shelter for women and children.
610 N. Silver St. (cul-de-sac at 7th St. and Gold, behind the public works yard), Silver City · Usually opens December 1, every night from 5:00 pm. May be open more of the year: SPIN reported 3,900 bed nights in one quarter of 2025. Call to check.
At the Gospel MissionHelp with a meal, give to the food pantry, or bring your church, business or family to cook and serve a Friday lunch. Call the Mission at 575-388-5071.
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission's staff can sit down with anyone who wants help with ID, benefits, recovery or housing. Point them to 111 S. Texas St., weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm.
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 Is something out of date?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.