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.
1Ask about military service
You can ask"Did you ever serve in the military, the Guard or the Reserve?"
You can ask"Do you have a safe place to sleep tonight?"
If they talk about suicide, call 988 and press 1. Stay with them.
Veterans Crisis Line
24/7 crisis line for veterans and their families
988 press 1
· Statewide phone/online; 24/7
2If they are homeless or about to be
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
24/7 line for homeless or at-risk veterans
877-424-3838
· Statewide phone/online; 24/7
Veterans Integration Centers (VIC)
SSVF veteran rent, deposit and rehousing help (serves Grant County)
505-296-0800
2701 Mulberry St SE, Albuquerque · Mon-Fri business hours
3Connect to VA health care
VA New Mexico Health Care System - Silver City VA Clinic
VA clinic (primary care, mental health, social work)
575-538-2921 · 24/7:
988 then press 1
2950 Leslie Rd., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30
Bring
- VA card or DD-214
- photo ID
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA health benefits hotline (enrollment)
877-222-8387
· Mon-Fri 8am-8pm ET
4Get the DD-214 (discharge papers)
You can ask"Do you have your DD-214?"
National Archives - National Personnel Records Center
Request a DD-214 (military discharge papers)
314-801-0800
· Statewide phone/online; phone 8am-4pm Central
Bring
- full name used in service
- Social Security or service number
- branch
- dates of service
5Get help with benefits
NM Department of Veterans Services - Silver City Veterans Service Officer
Veterans service officer (VA claims help)
575-313-5627
1000 W College Ave (WNMU Juan Chacon Bldg, Rm 138-A), Silver City · Weekdays (call)
DAV Chapter 1 - Grant / Fort Bayard
Disabled American Veterans chapter
575-313-5594
409 W College St, Silver City · Meets 2nd Wednesday of each month, 11:00am
American Legion Post - Silver City
Veterans post: fellowship, referrals and possible emergency help
575-956-5921
409 W. College Ave, Silver City · Post meets 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:00 am (breakfast 9:00 am); call for other times
New Mexico Legal Aid - Veterans Program
Free civil legal help for veterans
833-545-4357
· Statewide phone/online; intake Mon-Thu
6Cover basic needs
At the Gospel MissionBreakfast and lunch on weekdays, pantry bag, showers, laundry and clothes.
Disabled American Veterans of Grant County
Weekly pop-up food pantry (Santa Clara)
33 Fort Bayard Rd, Santa Clara · 3rd Wednesday of the month, 9:30-10:30 am (until food is gone)
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.
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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.