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 how urgent it is
You can ask"Is your water off now, or do you have a shut-off date?"
You can ask"How much propane is left? Do you use it for heat, hot water or cooking?"
You can ask"Is anyone in the home a child, a senior, sick, or on oxygen?"
Never use a grill, camp stove or outdoor propane heater indoors for heat. Carbon monoxide can kill. Call 911 if someone has a headache, dizziness or vomiting.
2Water: call the water office today
You can say"Let's call now and ask for a payment plan or more time."
Town of Silver City - Utility Billing
Water, sewer and trash billing and payment arrangements
575-538-3731
City Hall, 101 W Broadway, Silver City · Town Hall weekday hours
Other towns and water associations:
City of Bayard - City Hall
City Hall main / utilities
575-537-3327
800 Central Ave, Bayard · Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:15pm (closed 12-12:30)
Town of Hurley - Town Hall
Town Hall main / utilities / alerts
575-537-2287
101 Cortez Ave, Hurley · Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
Village of Santa Clara - Village Hall
Village Hall main (water utilities option 1)
575-537-2443
516 Fort Bayard St, Santa Clara · Mon-Fri 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-4:30pm
Arenas Valley Water Development Association
Arenas Valley water service, billing and outages
575-538-3782 · 24/7:
575-590-2620
41A Kirkland Rd, Silver City
Tyrone Water & Wastewater Association
Tyrone water and sewer service, billing and emergencies
575-654-0391
50 Malachite Ave, Tyrone
3Propane: apply for LIHEAP
LIHEAP can pay for propane and wood, not just gas and electric.
Apply online at yes.state.nm.us or at the Income Support office, 3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
LIHEAP energy assistance
1-800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm for lunch. Phone line (1-800-283-4465) Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
Bring
- Photo ID
- proof of income for everyone in the home
- latest propane bill or account number
Call the propane company. Ask for a payment plan, a budget plan, or a smaller delivery.
Suburban Propane - Silver Citynot yet confirmed: call first
Propane delivery, billing and budget payment plan
575-388-4433
2334 Ranch Club Road, Silver City · Office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-noon; phone help 24/7 at 1-800-776-7263
4Ask local churches and groups for help
St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church
Utility bill help
575-538-9373
414 N. Bayard St., Silver City · Tuesdays 1:00-2:00 pm (one listing says 1-3)
St. Francis Newman Center (Catholic parish)
Associates emergency help (rent, utilities, medicine)
575-388-4933
914 W. 13th St. (south side ramp), Silver City · 2nd and 4th Saturday, 8:00 am
The Salvation Army - Silver City Service Unit
Local emergency assistance
575-534-9509
22 Kirkland Rd., Silver City
Bring
- Photo ID
- the bill or shut-off notice
- proof of income
5Lower the bill next time
Southwestern Regional Housing & Community Development Corp.
Free home weatherization for low-income households
575-546-4181
109 E. Pine St., Suite 5, Deming · Weekday business hours
Gila National Forest - Supervisor's Office
Firewood cutting permits ($2 per cord)
575-388-8201
3005 E Camino del Bosque, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30 (closed federal holidays); permits sold year-round
At the Gospel MissionOur case worker can help them make a plan for bills. See the guide "Wants help making a budget".
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.