Things You Can Do to Help the Homelessness Situation Right Now
- Education. Learn about the circumstances that lead to homelessness. Education helps dispel the stereotypes surrounding the persons experiencing homelessness. Learn about effective and proper long-term solutions for ending homelessness and transiency. Help your children understand the circumstances that lead to homelessness.
- Employ the homeless. Many companies, specifically in the clerical, security, or construction industries, successfully employ the “unemployable.” Over half the homeless population who work through a reemployment program find stable and permanent jobs after.
- Respect. Treat persons experiencing homelessness how you would want to be treated if you were in need.
- Volunteer. Sign-up with local organizations. Help do volunteer work, you can volunteer in a shelter or a soup kitchen. You can find a list of non-profits that are always looking to get an extra hand in our Community Resource Guide.
- Kindness. We can all make a difference in the lives of our homeless community if when we respond to them kindly rather than dismissing or ignoring them.
- Avoid harmful but well-intentioned actions. Sometimes what you don’t do is just as impactful in the battle against homelessness. Please do not drop off clothes or food in our parks or give panhandlers food or money on the street. These actions, while well-intentioned, only serve to support the lifestyle on a short-term basis and discourages individuals from seeking out resources from established service providers, where they can also receive other types of help and long-term solutions. These types of organizations that offer structuring programs are where funds should be donated.
I am At Risk of Being Homeless
I need to sign up for Section 8 housing. Where do I apply?
Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority administers the HUD Rental Assistance Program in the City of Las Cruces. For information about the program call:
Phone 575-528-2000
https://www.mvpha.org
For Additional Housing Questions
City of Las Cruces Fair Housing
Phone: 575-528-3022
Affordable Housing
Link to a listing of affordable housing complexes in the City limits. There are units in these “affordable housing” complexes where the rent is based on a percentage of your income. View our Subsidized Housing Guide here.
Find a list of organizations that may be able to help you on our Community Resource Guide.
I am looking for immediate and local help. Where do I go?
Mesilla Valley Community of Hope Offers a variety of housing programs for people who are experiencing homeless and housing insecurity. Call to schedule an assessment with a housing navigator. Other services include case management, legal assistance, medical referrals, and facilities required for day-to-day tasks, such as laundry.
999 W Amador Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005 (575) 523-2219
I am Currently Homeless
I need assistance. Where can I start to get help?
Find a list of resources that may help you on our Community Resource Page. Consider starting with these:
2-1-1 United Way of Southern New Mexico
Mesilla Valley Community of Hope
999 W Amador Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005 (575) 523-2219
Offers a variety of housing programs for people who are homeless and near homeless. Call to schedule an assessment with a housing navigator.
Other services include case management, legal assistance, medical referrals, and facilities required for day-to-day tasks, such as laundry.
Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission provides emergency food and shelter
1050 W Amador Ave
575-523-7727
Where can I get a hot meal?
El Caldito Soup Kitchen serves breakfast 7-8:30 and lunch 11:15 – 12:15 M-F
999 West Amador Avenue
(575)-525-3831
Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission provides breakfast, lunch and dinner daily to residents and guests.
1050 W Amador Ave
(575)-523-7727
Are there free or low-cost health clinics in the area?
Amador Health Center
999 W Amador Ave a, Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 527-5482
La Clínica de Familia
575 S Alameda Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88005
(575) 528-6400
Ben Archer Health Care Centers
1600 Thorpe Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88012 (575) 267-3088
1988 N Motel Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575)-373-1033
3331 Del Rey Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88012 (575) 267-3280