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.
1Meet the need today
You can ask"Have you eaten today? Do you have a safe place to sleep tonight?"
At the Gospel MissionAnyone can eat breakfast and lunch here on weekdays. Being a student is fine.
At the Gospel MissionShowers, laundry, the clothing bank and hygiene kits are open to students too.
SPIN (Supporting People In Need)
Seasonal Overnight Shelter (SOS)
575-956-6131
610 N. Silver St. (cul-de-sac at 7th St. and Gold, behind the public works yard), Silver City · Opens every night at 5:00 pm and has stayed open beyond the winter months (SPIN reported 3,900 bed nights in one quarter of 2025). Call to check it is open.
See the guide "A man alone has nowhere to sleep tonight".
See the guide "A woman alone has nowhere to sleep tonight".
2WNMU One Stop (basic needs center)
The One Stop is WNMU's free help center for students: a food pantry, hygiene items when stocked, and help applying for SNAP.
Western New Mexico University - One Stop
Student One Stop (basic needs center)
575-538-6905
Student Life Office, 3rd Floor, Student Memorial Building, 1000 W College Ave, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm
Western New Mexico University - One Stop
Student food pantry
575-538-6905
Student Life Offices, 3rd floor, Student Memorial Building, WNMU, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Western New Mexico University - One Stop
WNMU monthly mobile food pantry (open to the public)
575-538-6905
Student Life Lounge, Student Memorial Building, WNMU, Silver City · First Wednesday of each month, 12-4 pm
Ask the One Stop about emergency aid grants for a surprise bill. Funding changes, so ask what is available now.
3SNAP for college students
Most college students going half-time or more can get SNAP only if they meet a special rule.
Examples: working 20 hours a week, having work-study, caring for a young child, or having a disability.
Western New Mexico University - One Stop
SNAP application help and resource referrals for WNMU students
575-538-6905
Student Life Offices, 3rd floor, Student Memorial Building, WNMU, Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:00 pm
See the guide "Wants to apply for SNAP, Medicaid or cash help".
4Housing on campus
You can ask"Have you talked to the WNMU housing office?"
Western New Mexico University
Housing and Residence Life (campus housing)
575-538-6629
Mustang Village A South 104, WNMU campus, Silver City
5Homeless students and financial aid
A student under 24 who is homeless or at risk can be counted as "independent" on the FAFSA. Parent income then does not count, and aid may go up.
The financial aid office can make this decision. A letter from a high school homeless liaison or a shelter also helps.
Western New Mexico University
Financial Aid office
575-538-6173
Juan Chacon Building, WNMU campus, Silver City
Bring
- Any letter showing where they have been living
- FAFSA login
New Mexico Higher Education Department
NM Opportunity Scholarship (free tuition at NM public colleges)
(800) 279-9777
6Stress and health
Western New Mexico University
Free counseling for WNMU students
575-538-6886 · 24/7:
855-422-4334
Juan Chacon Building, Suite 139, 1000 W. College Ave., Silver City · University business hours
Western New Mexico University
TimelyCare free 24/7 virtual counseling and medical visits for WNMU students
· 24/7
See the guide "Wants to go to college or trade school".
More help like this
Wants a GED or to learn to read, write or speak EnglishUse when an adult wants to finish high school (GED/HiSET), read or write better, learn English, or learn to use a computer.Can't read or understand a letter or formUse when someone got a letter, bill, notice or form they can't read or don't understand, because of reading, English, eyesight, or confusing words.Wants to go to college or trade schoolUse when an adult wants to start or go back to college, earn a certificate, learn a trade, or join an apprenticeship, and needs help applying or paying for it.A child has a disability and needs help at schoolUse when a parent thinks their child has a disability or learning problem, wants testing, an IEP or a 504 plan, or feels the school is not giving the help the child needs.Needs school records or a copy of a diplomaUse when someone needs a high school transcript, a copy of a diploma or GED/HiSET, or college records, for a job, training, college, the military or an ID.Wants to learn to use a computer or smartphoneUse when someone wants to learn basic computer or smartphone skills: turning it on, email, the internet, apps, online forms, video calls, or staying safe from scams.
See all guides in School and learning →
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
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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.