Donations
When Can I Drop Off Donations?
You can drop off your food, clothing and household goods donations any Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 1:30 pm at the front door of the Mission. We try to always accept your clothing, but occasionally we may be backlogged and unable to take it for a week or so. We don't have the resources to do any pickups nor do we have the space to take beds or large furniture items (but give us your number and if someone needs an item we will have them contact you directly).
Where Does Your Money Come From?
We are a private Silver City Christian charity and not associated with any other Gospel Mission around the country. All of our funds come from donations from people like you, grants written for specific needs or sales in our thrift store. 100% of what we make in the thrift store goes back into operations.
Are My Donations Tax-Deductible?
We are a 501-C3 charity and all of your donations are tax deductible. We can give you a receipt for your goods at the front desk and our accountant mails donation letters at the end of each year. You can read more about your tax deductions here.
How Can I Donate Money?
You can donate online with a credit card here. You can donate by cash or check at the front desk. You can mail a check and make it payable to Silver City Gospel Mission PO Box 5198 Silver City, NM 88062-1598 You can also let us know how you would like your money spent or set up monthly donations online. We are a 501-C3 charity and all donations are tax-deductible.
What Type Of Things Do You Need?
We need food, clothing, household goods and cash. Here are some printable lists: Food Needed In The Soup Kitchen Food Needed In The Food Bank Household Items Needed
Services Offered
I Heard Something 'Bad' About You Guys
When you deal with a population such as ours, we occasionally have to ban them temporarily or rumors may get started about what is happening inside our doors or on the property. Believe me when I tell you we probably have heard it all before. Are we perfect? No, but please come in and talk to our Manager if you have any concerns. Some of the more common myths are:
- They wouldn't give me any shoes or clothes or food or a blanket or coat-if people need something and we have it available, we're not going to turn them away nor charge them for it. Someone might be upset with us for one reason or another and might say that, but it's not true. Or we might not have the item they need available
- They sell drugs at the Mission-Absolutely no drugs or alcohol are allowed on the property. If someone is caught selling drugs, they will be banned. We will try and help someone who is high or drunk with services if they are in a manageable state, but they will not be allowed to use any controlled substance while they are here
- They just throw away the clothes or donations we give them. No way, no how. We do sort everything that comes in for usability and if it is in too horrible of a shape, we will discard it. All clothes that don't sell after a period of time or are ripped, stained or torn are put in the green trailer out back for later distribution to Africa or Mexico
- The staff or volunteers take all of the good stuff and sell it at yard sales. Not true. We do allow our staff and volunteers to sign up for our services, but they must follow all the same rules as everyone else. Occasionally, you may see items going out, but rest assured they are being taken to someone in need
- They won't help me unless I become a Christian-Nope. While we are a Christian organization, we will help anyone regardless of belief, race, age, creed, etc. No charge. No questions asked. We believe it is more important to emulate the example of Christ than it is to shove religion down someones throat
Is Your Thrift Store Open To The General Public?
Yes, we have dirt cheap prices and new items daily! Your business is what helps keep our Mission open. We try and keep the store always clean, organized and presentable and serve our customers with a friendly smile and helpful attitude. Most of the homeless will be around back in the soup kitchen an we do not allow any panhandling at the Mission. Drop by and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I Just Moved Into A New House - Can You Help Me?
After visiting with our case manager, we will help those just getting a new house or apartment. We will talk to you briefly about your needs and then you and your case manager can try and fill as many items on the list as you can. We do ask you to only do this once and only take what we have available on this one visit as the need is great.
What Services Don't You Offer?
We don't pay for gas, help with rent, hotel rooms, utility bills nor prescription drugs. We cannot act as your mail drop, buy diapers, baby formula or groceries, though we may have some of these items on hand. See our case manager and for needs other than food, clothing or shelter. In cases of extreme need, our board of directors will decide each situation on a case-by-case basis.
What Other Service Do You Offer Besides Food, Clothing Or Shelter?
We have a case manager on site to explain all of our services and assist you with other local agencies. We have laundry, showers and a public restroom. A phone and computer for guest use, counseling and classes in life skills, job skills and Bible study. Medical co-pays for the homeless or those who can't afford them, a weekly foot care clinic, homeless survival kits and hygiene kits. If funds are available we can help you secure ID which you must have to secure services from other agencies, provide you with bus passes to go shopping or go to work and help you with your infants needs.
Shelter
Can My Pet Stay With Me At The Shelter?
I'm sorry, but we don't have any kennel facilities available and don't allow animals at the shelter.
Do You Have An Emergency Women's Shelter?
If you or a woman you know needs a temporary place, please call (575) 388-5072 to check on space. Doors open at 5:30 pm and are closed at 7:30 pm. There will be a short interview and admittance will depend upon concerns for the safety of the children and other permanent residents of the transitional house.
How Can I Get In The Sierra House Women's Transitional Home?
Call the Sierra House Manager at 575-388-5072 to see if there is space available. If so, schedule a time when you can fill out an application. You must go through an interview process, be willing to change and agree to live by the house rules. You can read more about the Sierra House Women And Children's Transitional Home here.
Do You Have A Men's Shelter?
We have a cold weather shelter for men open during the winter (normally Nov 1 through Apr 15). Doors open at 5:30 pm and are locked at 7:30 pm and men staying at the shelter can receive dinner. Men must be out by 7:30 am, but may return for breakfast at 8:30 am. We also have emergency survival kits, blankets and sometimes bedrolls available.
Volunteer
Can I Help With Holidays?
Sure, give us a call to see what we have coming up. We do a Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner each year. (one year it will be on the holiday itself and the next it will be the day before; we do this for numerous reasons: to give staff time with their families, to give those who have to work a chance to come in and help on the holiday, to give those who must ride the bus a chance for dinner since bus service is closed on holidays, etc). We also have special events like handing out Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, sponsoring a family at Christmas and a Christmas party for the 6th Street School and a gift wrapping party (for which we need gifts and wrappers for).
Can My Group, Club, Business Or Organization Help?
Sure, we always have large groups coming in to help out. Many times they will prepare and serve meals in the soup kitchen. Some groups even have certain days of the month or week assigned to them. Or if you are interested in doing a special project, you can discuss it in depth with the manager. In the past we have had trash clean up days, painting projects, garden and landscaping projects, thrown parties for under-privileged kids and more.
Can I Do My TANF At The Mission
Yes, we normally have a few people working at the Mission for their TANF (Temporary Assistance For Needy Families). Please talk to your TANF adviser and ask to be assigned to the Mission.
What Kind Of Things Do You Need Help With?
We primarily need help preparing and cooking food in the soup kitchen, sorting items in the thrift store and doing various cleaning or maintenance tasks around the place.
Do You Accept Interns?
Yes, we are always happy to have interns. Either informal or formal programs. You can read more about internships here.
