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 safe
You can ask"How old are you?" Under 18: see the guide "A young person under 18 is on their own".
You can ask"Is it safe where you slept last night? Is anyone making you do things in return for a place to stay?"
In danger now: call 911. Thoughts of suicide: call or text 988.
If someone makes them trade sex or work for a place to stay, see the guide "Being forced to work or trade sex, or someone controls their papers or money".
National Runaway Safeline
24/7 crisis line, text and chat for runaway and homeless youth
1-800-786-2929
· 24/7
2A place to sleep tonight
You can say"Couch-surfing still counts for many youth programs. You can get help."
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.
At the Gospel MissionFor a young woman, ask Mission staff about space at Sierra House.
Silver City Street Outreach
Street outreach and drop-in center
575-519-5810
714 N. Bullard St. (the OASIS), Silver City · Daily 10:30am-4:00pm, depending on volunteers
3Housing programs for young adults
Families and Youth Innovations Plus (FYI+)
TYLA transitional living for young adults (17.5-23)
575-522-4004
1320 S Solano Dr, Las Cruces · Office M-F business hours
Families and Youth Innovations Plus (FYI+)
The House of Kahlo LGBTQ+ housing and shelter
575-636-4114
1320 S Solano Dr, Las Cruces · Call
Youth Development Inc (YDI) / City of Albuquerque
Gateway Young Adult Housing and Treatment Navigation Center (ages 18-25)
505-768-2860
Albuquerque · 24/7 residential
New Day Youth and Family Services
Transitional housing for youth ages 17-24 and drop-in center
505-503-7800
142 Truman St NE, Albuquerque · Drop-in center Tue-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm
New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness
Coordinated Entry (Balance of State)
505-217-9570
· Mon-Fri business hours
4Were they in foster care?
You can ask"Were you in foster care when you turned 18?"
NM Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)
Fostering Connections (extended foster care and aging-out support, 18-26)
Santa Fe · State office hours
If yes, see the guide "Aging out of foster care (ages 18 to 26)".
5Work, school and a fresh start
Job Corps gives free housing, meals, job training and GED help for ages 16 to 24.
Job Corps (U.S. Department of Labor) - National Admissions
Job Corps admissions line (free residential job training, ages 16-24)
(800) 733-5627
America's Job Center New Mexico - Southwestern Area (WIOA Youth Program)
WIOA Youth Program - paid work experience, HSE help, job training for ages 14-24
(575) 527-7756
Las Cruces
New Mexico Higher Education Department
NM Opportunity Scholarship (free tuition at NM public colleges)
(800) 279-9777
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
See the guide "Wants a GED or to learn to read, write or speak English" and "Wants to apply for SNAP, Medicaid or cash help".
More help like this
A child needs school meals, supplies, or help staying in schoolUse when a child is hungry at school or on weekends, needs supplies, or is having trouble staying in school.A child is being hurt, abused or neglectedUse when you see or hear that a child is being hurt, abused, neglected, or left without care.A young person under 18 is on their ownUse when a child or teen under 18 comes in without a parent or guardian, has run away, was kicked out, or has nowhere safe to stay.Pregnant or has a new baby and needs helpUse when someone is pregnant or has a baby and needs a doctor, food, baby supplies, or support.Needs child care or preschoolUse when a parent needs child care to work or go to school, or wants free preschool for a young child.A grandparent or relative is raising someone else's childrenUse when grandparents, aunts, uncles or friends are caring for children whose parents can't, and need legal help, money or support.
See all guides in Tonight →
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.