Individuals & Families
Local and General Resources
Amended Emergency Public Health Order in Effect July 1
New Mexico’s emergency public health order is extended through July 15. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a severe warning about the risk of New Mexico being forced to re-enact more severe public health restrictions in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 across the state.
- “Phase Two” of the state’s reopening would be on hold until public health conditions warrant further relaxations of restrictions and the state’s gating criteria could once again be met.
- The state will aggressively enforce the mandatory face-covering requirement for all residents in public places. In accordance with state law, violators will be subject to a $100 fine.
- Mandatory 14-day quarantine for all out-of-state travelers into New Mexico, whether traveling by air or by vehicle. Hotels and other places of lodging are expected to enforce the 14-day travel quarantine for any out-of-state visitors and report non-compliance to state health authorities.
NM DOH Coronavirus Website & Hotline
The latest COVID-19 health information from the NM Department of Health, including press releases, how to stay safe, testing locations, state and county-level data, and public health orders. Get your COVID-19 health-related questions answered by a medical professional 24/7 on the hotline.
COVID-19 Self-Screening From NM Department of Health
Answer questions in the self-screening tool for guidance on whether to be tested for COVID-19. Please note: the tool is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice and should not dissuade you from seeking medical attention if you are in need of medical treatment.
Grant County Public Health Office COVID-19 Testing Clinic
Grant County Public Health Office provides free testing every Monday from 8:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. for utility workers and food industry workers and for everyone on Tuesdays from 8:30a.m. to 11:30a.m.
Where: Grant County Public Health Office at 2610 N. Silver Street (across the street from the Swimming Pool)
Testing is free, but those who have insurance should bring their card with them.
Appointments are required and must be scheduled by registering on the following website: cvtestreg.nmhealth.org
Once registered, you will receive a code. Please save this code
and contact the Grant County Public Health Office at 575-538-5318 (ext. 4) to make your appointment.
Gila Regional Medical Center COVID-19 Screening Clinic
GMCR is no longer offering COVID-19 screening.
People at Higher Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19
CDC guidance for people who need to take extra precautions to protect themselves from the coronavirus, such as older adults (65 years and older) and people with underlying medical conditions.
Social Distancing, Quarantine and Isolation
Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. CDC’s guidance explains the difference between social distancing, quarantine and isolation
Gila Regional Medical Center COVID-19 Information
The latest COVID-19 updates from the Gila Regional Medical Center, including comprehensive information on COVID-19, how to prepare and protect yourself, what to do if you are sick, FAQs, article library, and hospital information.
NEW! NMDOH Bilingual COVID-Safety Signage for Public Spaces
The NM Department of Health has developed bilingual COVID safety signage for posting in public spaces. Signs reflect July 1 public health order.
CDC Guidance on Reopening
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance yesterday to assist states, tribes, localities, and territories, as well as businesses and community organizations operate as safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic as communities begin to reopen. The guidance includes a set of health considerations to be used by summer camps, schools, youth sports organizations, institutes of higher education, and restaurants and bars.
How We Reopen Safely
National site to track each state’s progress towards the critical interventions needed to stop the spread of COVID-19. The focus is on data available on the ground and how we can surface it in meaningful ways for state and local leaders to act on. This is a collaborative effort among public health and crisis experts with former experience working at the White House, Department of Health and Human Services, and on the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.
CVS Pharmacy COVID-19 Testing
- Patients will be required to stay in their cars and will be directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window
- Patients must register in advance at CVS.com
- Self-swab tests will be made available to individuals meeting CDC criteria, in addition to state and age guidelines.
Hidalgo Medical Services COVID-19 Testing
Hidalgo Medical Services offers COVID-19 testing at its Silver City (1007 Pope St.) and Lordsburg (530 De Moss St.) locations. Testing expanded to everyone via a drive -up testing approach. Lordsburg clinic testing days include weekdays except for Thursday; Silver City clinic testing days include weekdays except for Tuesday.
Call 1-888-271-3596 for an appointment.
How to stay safe in your personal and social activities
As the country reopens, the CDC has updated guidance on how to stay safe in your personal and social activities. The guidance includes recommendations for dining at restaurants, going to the gym or salon, traveling overnight, visiting parks and recreation facilities, and hosting social events.
FDA Warning – 9 Brands of Hand Sanitizer Tainted with Methanol
FDA advises consumers not to use any hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol), a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. FDA has identified the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem:
- All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
- Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
- Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
- The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
- Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.
HMS Mobile COVID-19 Testing Clinic
Hidalgo Medical Services has recently acquired a Mobile COVID Testing Clinic. The Mobile Clinic will be in Rodeo on July 7 and Bayard on July 9. This is a walk-in clinic so no appointment is necessary. For more information, call HMS at 888-271-3596.
Additional rural areas will be serviced over the coming weeks.
7 steps to identify risky COVID-19 situations
Nebraska Medicine’s coronavirus risk levels by activity and seven steps to recognizing risky situations.
Behavioral Health and Coping with Stress
CDC Coping Resources
Tips for coping with stress from the CDC. Coping with stress during a COVID-19 outbreak will make you, your loved ones, and your community stronger.
NM Crisis Line
The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line is here to support individuals and communities during this time. They maintain a solution focused approach built on validation, normalization, and access to resources. Counselors are available via phone 24/7 at 855-662-7474.
NMConnect is a smartphone app to close the gap by engaging people with immediate access to mental health professionals and resources.
NM Peer-to-Peer Warmline
If you prefer texting instead of calling, the New Mexico Peer to Peer Warmline is now responding to text messages from 6p – 11p MT every day. You can TEXT us for free at 1-855-466-7100 (Note: standard text message charges from your service provider will still apply).
- Text 1-855-4NM-7100 (855-466-7100)
- Visit the website.
New Mexico Suicide Intervention Project
NMSIP has implemented cutting edge prevention and intervention services to decrease risk behaviors related to suicide and increase resiliency and family support. NMSIP offers a model of collaboration that promotes the health of youth, families, and communities. Our services focus on offering pathways to wellness through the opportunity to develop life skills and social connections that help to navigate the many challenges faced by young people and their families.
Therapy for Essential Workers
Coronavirustherapy.org provides access to free or low-cost therapy for frontline workers such as grocery store workers, first responders, hospital workers, and others who must work during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therapy is provided by licensed therapists who are offering their services for short-term support at reduced rates or pro-bono.
Crisis Line for Medical Workers
The State of New Mexico has launched a support line specifically for healthcare workers and first responders. The line is available 24/7 to support those on the front lines of the state’s pandemic response and connect them to a professional counselor.
Lotus Center of Silver City
The Lotus Center’s purpose is to avail to everyone the limitless benefits of Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, other forms of contemplative movement, and meditation. While the center is closed, they’re offering classes and workshops via YouTube and Zoom.
NM Safe Promise
NM Safe Promise campaign encourages all New Mexicans to individually “make the promise” to follow COVID-Safe Practices and proudly share their commitment with others.
Early Childhood
New Mexico Kids
Resources for families related to childcare services, meal sites for children and families, and home learning resources.
Silver City Public Library Reopens June 16
The Silver City Public Library announced that it will reopen at 25 percent capacity on June 16. Staff encourage those reluctant to reenter public spaces to use the library’s numerous online tools. Contact the library for more information about their services.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home
Everyday steps recommended by the CDC to prevent getting sick, as well as extra steps to take when someone is sick.
Little Toad Creek Hand Sanitizer
Little Toad Creek Brewery and Distillery in Silver City is producing 32 oz bottles of hand sanitizer. Product follows the WHO and FDA current recommended formula for hand sanitizer. Only $15 per bottle & 1 per customer. To order: call Call 575-956-6144 or text 575-313-1266.
EPA-registered Disinfectants for COVID-19
All products on this list meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
NM COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Businesses
As the state implements its Phase One Reopening Plan, it has released COVID-safe practices (CSPs) guidance for individuals and employers in New Mexico.
CDC Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance is intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. Reopening America requires all of us to move forward together by practicing social distancing and other daily habits to reduce our risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
WNMU One Stop Food Pantry
WNMU’s One Stop, located in the Brancheau P.E. Complex (Room 243), is your wellness center offering food pantry items and when available, cleaning supplies, kitchenware, blankets, and toiletries. Students can pick up a limited amount of supplies during open hours of operation. Due to COVID-19, the One Stop is open upon request for the rest of the spring and summer semesters.
FDA Warning – 9 Brands of Hand Sanitizer Tainted with Methanol
FDA advises consumers not to use any hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico, due to the potential presence of methanol (wood alcohol), a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. FDA has identified the following products manufactured by Eskbiochem:
- All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
- Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
- Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
- The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
- Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
Consumers who have been exposed to hand sanitizer containing methanol should seek immediate treatment, which is critical for potential reversal of toxic effects of methanol poisoning.
Domestic Violence
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Highly trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to talk confidentially in more than 200 languages with anyone in the United States who is experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. All calls are free and confidential.
El Refugio, Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy of Southwest New Mexico
El Refugio’s emergency shelter is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Services are free and we assist with life skills development, children’s activities, safety planning, educational classes, and providing necessary referrals and resources. Transitional Housing services and Rapid Re-Housing services are also available. Temporary shelter is provided for up to 90 days, with 30-day reviews. Safety and security are provided along with case management services and educational programs.
Call the Crisis Hotline at 575-538-2125 or Toll-Free at 1-888-538-2125
National Network to End Domestic Violence
Compilation of resources on the response to the coronavirus related to domestic violence.
Sexual Assault
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Key resources and recommendations on COVID-19 as it relates to efforts to end sexual harassment, abuse, and assault.
Silver Regional Sexual Assault Support Services
Silver Regional Sexual Assault Support Services (SRSASS) is a non-profit Rape Crisis Center established in 2011 that provides services to survivors of sexual violence in Grant and Hidalgo Counties. SRSASS provides services to survivors of sexual violence and their families through case management services, crisis intervention services, community education and awareness services, counseling services, and accompaniment services for both the SANE exam and legal proceedings. Free and confidential hotline is staffed full time, year round, by well trained and sensitive advocates.
Education
State of NM Education Resources
State of New Mexico information on school closures, academic enrichment tool kit for families, implementation guide for continuous learning plans, meal sites for children, and food handling guidelines for volunteers.
Silver Schools
Information on school closures, Continuous Learning Plans and grab and go meal schedules for Silver Schools including Cliff Schools.
Cobre Schools
Information on school closures, Continuous Learning Plans and grab and go meal schedules for Cobre schools.
Aldo Leopold Charter School
Information on school closures, Grab and go meal schedule is coordinated with Guadalupe Montessori School.
Guadalupe Montessori School
Information on school closures, Continuous Learning Plans and grab and go meal schedules.
PED
The New Mexico Public Education Department Website has important updates and information during the school closure, including resources for online learning and academic enrichment.
Binary Circuits
You can request a laptop for a student from Binary Circuits: call Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am – 5pm.
Internet Access
The emergency offerings by Internet Service Providers was compiled by the NM Public Education Department (PED) and the Homework Gap Team (PED, Department of Information Technology, State Library, Public Schools Facility Authority, Santa Fe Indian School, and the Navajo Nation) through a request to New Mexico Internet Service Providers (ISP) for their emergency offerings during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Khan Academy
The Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
Silver City Watershed Keepers
During this time of concern over the spread of COVID-19, Silver City Watershed Keepers would like to offer some ideas for involving children and adults in water conservation activities that can be done from home or close to home in our region.
Federal Student Aid Relief
All borrowers with federal student loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0% for 60 days. Additionally, borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments for two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. Other flexibilities related to forbearance and delinquency are also being granted during this time.
Adult Education
ReStart your career and return to school. Links to community colleges, universities and financial aid.
Summer Youth Programs
Through a collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs, Public Education Department, Early Childhood Education and Care Department, and Children, Youth & Families Department, the state has assembled a comprehensive array of supports for families — including a directory of available programs, online and print resources, child care resources and other materials.
Higher Education Resources
Senator Martin Heinrich’s COVID-19 Resource Center for higher education, including federal student loans, Pell grants, and Federal Work Study.
WNMU Adult Education Services
The program offers online education for those that need to complete their public education, improve English communication skills, or technology skills like computer education, device usage. All education offered is free of charge and currently is only offered online. We offer online tutoring in all areas and classes will start in August 2020.
CARES Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding Update
The federal government is providing special Covid-19 emergency grants to college students around the country. As WNMU prepares to distribute this funding to eligible students, the university is sharing information to help students understand how they may be impacted. Answers to frequently asked questions about the CARES Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding are available here.
Silver City Public Library Reopens June 16
The Silver City Public Library announced that it will reopen at 25 percent capacity on June 16. Staff encourage those reluctant to reenter public spaces to use the library’s numerous online tools. Contact the library for more information about their services.
NM School Reopening Guidance
The New Mexico Public Education Department has released the state’s plan on how to safely reopen schools in the fall. The 2020-2021 school year will begin with a hybrid model where the number of students in the building will be limited to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure social distancing practices. Students will also rotate between in-person and online learning. Face coverings are required at all times except for eating, drinking and exercising. All staff will be screened on a daily basis which includes temperature checks and a review of potential symptoms. If they have an internal temperature over 100.4°F, they will be sent home to self-isolate. Students will be screened before entering the building. That may include a temperature check.
Financial Hardship
I Need Assistance
Resources for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, including assistance related to utilities, housing, food assistance, legal, and telecommunications.
YESNM Public Assistance
Portal to apply for express eligibility for Medicaid, food assistance through SNAP, cash assistance for needy families, and energy assistance through Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (“Fund”) was created to help restaurant industry employees experiencing extraordinary hardship in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Through this Fund, grants will be made to restaurant industry employees who have been impacted by COVID-19, including a decrease in wages or loss of employment.
Miner Resource Task Force
Miner Resource Task Force was formed to pull together community and state resources for our miners and their families. The Facebook page will provide information as it is made available.
Food Assistance
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
The New Mexico Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program offers free healthy foods, nutrition education, nursing support, and community connections to help families live their best in the Land of Enchantment.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program for Seniors
NM HSD partners with community organizations throughout the state to provide nutritious food to supplement the diet of Seniors who may be at risk for malnutrition. Currently, there are 5 regional centers and 122 tailgate sites located throughout the state who distribute a monthly box of food to eligible persons 60 years and older.
Grab and Go Meal Distribution – Silver Schools
Silver Consolidated Schools will be transitioning to its Summer Breakfast/Lunch Program for the remainder of the school closure period. “Grab and Go” hot meal distribution (for both breakfast and lunch) will begin on April 6, 2020, from 10 AM to 12 PM until May 22, 2020, at the following locations at G.W. Stout Elementary Loading Dock (off Silver Street), Tyrone Community Center (off of Malachite Avenue), Pinos Altos Volunteer Fire Department Parking Lot, Cliff Schools, El Grito Early Learning Center (303 South Cooper Street.
Grab and Go Meal Distribution – Cobre Schools
Cobre Consolidated Schools will continue to provide breakfast and lunch to its students from 11:30 – 12:30 at Bayard Post Office, Viola Stone Park in Santa Clara, Hurley Post Office and Mimbres Post Office. Parents can now pick up meals for their child without the child being present. This new guideline is in place until further notice.
Visit the Cobre Consolidated Schools Facebook page for updates.
Grab and Go Meal Distribution – Guadalupe Montessori School
Guadalupe Montessori School will provide grab and go lunch service 11:30-12:30 Monday- Thursday (Friday’s lunch given Thursday) during COVID-19 school closure. The meals are available to all students in Grant County. Menus available at their website.
Grant County Food Pantries – The Commons
Silver City, Tyrone & Arenas Valley residents choose one:
First Saturday 10:00 – Noon OR Last Wednesday 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
501 E. 13th Street in Silver City (Just off Swan Street behind the Knights of Columbus)
The Commons Mining District Mobile Food Pantry
Third Tuesdays, 1 – 3 pm, for Santa Clara, Bayard, Hanover & Hurley residents.
Bataan Memorial Park in Santa Clara (directions: Follow U.S. Highway 180 to Santa Clara and turn north onto the Fort Bayard Medical Center access road. The park is on the left side of the road near the hospital.)
Gila Valley Mobile Food Pantry – The Commons
Buckhorn, Cliff, Gila & Redrock residents
Third Tuesday 2:00 – 4:00 p.m
Fairgrounds in Cliff
The Food Pantry at the Gospel Mission
Open for drive thru only on Wednesdays 8:30 am – 9:30 am. Daily soup kitchen: 8:30-9:30 for breakfast Mon-Fri and 12-1 pm lunch every day.
111 South Texas Street, Silver City NM 88061
St. Francis Newman Center Food Pantry
Open every Monday at 4 pm and cash assistance for rent, utilities, bus passes and prescription drugs is also provided.
914 W. 13th St. Silver City.
Senior Citizens Mobile Food Pantry
Held on third Wednesdays from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3755 N. Swan Street, for any senior in Grant County (55 and older).
Mimbres Valley Health Action League Mobile Food Pantry
3rd Wednesday of the month Noon to 2pm at the Roundup Lodge, 94 Acklin Hill Rd.
Pandemic EBT Program
New Mexico households with children who receive free or reduced-price meals will receive benefits of $5.70 per child, per day for the 70-day period from March 16, 2020 when public schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, through June 19, 2020. New Mexico households can receive Pandemic-EBT (Electronic Balance Transfer) as well as continue to receive food distributions from their child’s school site. The program will also benefit families that did not previously qualify for free or reduced-price meals but may now qualify due to the restrictions implemented for the COVID-19 response. To apply, contact your child’s school district.
Senior & Disabled Adult Food Assistance
If you are a senior or disabled adult and cannot access groceries, please call the state’s Senior and Disabled Adult Food Hotline at 1-800-432-2080. Leave a message with your name, telephone number and city that you reside in and you will be contacted within 2 hours of your call.
Silver City Farmer’s Market / Double Up Food Bucks
Silver City Farmers’ Market accepts EBT and offers Double Up Food Bucks to double your benefits. Fresh local produce, including micro-greens and hothouse tomatoes, root vegetables, and new seasonal produce every week, as well as grass-fed meats, baked goods, tortillas, and tamales. Please keep a physical distance of 6 feet while lining up and to disperse immediately after shopping to comply with social distancing guidance.
- Saturdays 9 am — 12 pm at the corner of Pope St. and College Avenue in the old Life Quest parking lot
- Wednesdays 9 am — 12 pm at Ace Hardware Parking Lot
WNMU One Stop Food Pantry
WNMU’s One Stop, located in the Brancheau P.E. Complex (Room 243), is your wellness center offering food pantry items and when available, cleaning supplies, kitchenware, blankets, and toiletries. Students can pick up a limited amount of supplies during open hours of operation. Due to COVID-19, the One Stop is open upon request for the rest of the spring and summer semesters.
June SNAP Increases
New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will again receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of June, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced on Friday.
Health Care Coverage
Express Eligibility for Medicaid
Apply for Medicaid through Express Eligibility process on YesNM and get results in a little as 10 minutes.
Housing and Utility Assistance
Water Bill Shutoff Moratorium
Local water utilities have all said that water will not be shut off for non-payment during the emergency public health order. However, please call if you’re having difficulty paying your bill to make payment arrangements
Bayard customers who are financially impacted during this time can contact City Hall at 575-537-3327 to discuss payment arrangements. To make arrangements in Hurley, call 575-537-2287. In Santa Clara, call 575-537-2443 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. In Silver City, contact City Hall at 575-538-3731, Option 1, and select Option 1 again.
PNM
PNM has temporarily suspended disconnections for non-payment and has links to helpful information.
NM Gas
At this time, no service will be disconnected for non-payment. Walk-in payment centers are closed.
Evictions
New Mexico courts have placed a temporary moratorium on eviction. Residents who have received an eviction notice should call the state’s COVID-19 general hotline at 1-833-551-0518. You must provide the court with evidence of current inability to pay rent at your hearing on the eviction petition.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP assists eligible persons and families with their heating and cooling costs.
Supporting People in Need (SPIN)
Supporting People In Need provides permanent supportive housing and services to individuals and families in need; especially those with disabilities, particularly mental illness.
Cell Phones: AT&T
AT&T Until mid-May, AT&T won’t terminate service and will waive late payment fees of any wireless, home phone, or broadband residential or small business customer due to an inability to pay their bill as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, they’re waiving domestic wireless plan overage charges for data, voice, or text for residential or small business wireless customers incurred because of economic hardship related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Cell Phones: Verizon
If you are experiencing hardship because of COVID-19 and cannot pay your bill in full, Verizon will not charge you a late fee or terminate your service through June 30, 2020.
Free Phone Service Through SafeLink for Low-Income Customers
Safelink is now automatically providing all new and existing SafeLink customers with Unlimited Talk & Text and an extra 5GB of free data through May 31st. Find out if you’re eligible for free phone service:
Internet for Low-Income Households – Comcast
Eligible new customers will receive 60 days of Internet Essentials service, the nation’s largest, most comprehensive internet adoption program for low-income households, without charge.
Internet for Low-Income Households – WNM Communications
WNM Communications is offering free installation and 30 days of free service to get internet into homes where it is needed. They will not disconnect an existing customer’s internet or phone service or assess late fees if you call 800-535-2330 and let them know.
Community Wifi Locations
WNM Communications provides free WiFi at the following locations. Please stay in your cars and practice social distancing.
- Santa Clara – Splash Park
- Silver City – Gough Park
- Cliff – WNMC Office
- Hurley – Ball Park
- Bayard – Community Center
- Lordsburg – R V Taylor Elementary
- Glenwood – Library
- Reserve – Library & School
- Magdalena – Library
- Datil – Schools
- Quemado – School
- Mimbres – San Lorenzo Elementary
- Deming – Nacio Park, John T Waites & Splash Park
Rental Assistance
The rental assistance program assists eligible homeless or precariously housed persons with security and utility deposits, up to 11 months rental assistance, and past due rent or utility bills. For more information, contact the Western Regional Housing Authority.
PNM offers Helping Hand Tuesday
Through the PNM Helping Hand Tuesdays initiative, low-income customers who are facing an unexpected financial hardship can receive assistance with their electricity bills. Call 505-967-8045 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, through July 7, for up to $150 to be applied toward their PNM bill. Customers must provide digital copies of documentation to establish income qualifications.
Workforce
NM Unemployment Insurance Benefits
If you are a worker affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits.
File your new (initial) UI claim online.
OR Call Call 1-877-664-6984 TOLL-FREE to apply for unemployment benefits by phone Monday–Friday, 7:00am-7:00pm.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for Gig Economy Workers, Contractors, Self-employed
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a new temporary federal program under the CARES Act that provides benefits to individuals who are not otherwise eligible for Unemployment Insurance.
Miner Resource Task Force
Miner Resource Task Force was formed to pull together community and state resources for our miners and their families. The Facebook page will provide information as it is made available.
WNMU Adult Education Services
The program offers online education for those that need to complete their public education, improve English communication skills, or technology skills like computer education, device usage. All education offered is free of charge and currently is only offered online. We offer online tutoring in all areas and classes will start in August 2020.
NMDWS Announces Additional Extended Benefits for Unemployment
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions announced that New Mexico will begin offering the Federal-State Extended Benefits program for those who have exhausted their previous unemployment benefits. The program offers up to an additional 13 weeks of benefits to individuals who have exhausted both their regular unemployment benefits and 13 weeks of the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) assistance.
Unemployment Benefits
NM Unemployment Insurance Benefits
If you are a worker affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits.
File your new (initial) UI claim online.
OR Call Call 1-877-664-6984 TOLL-FREE to apply for unemployment benefits by phone Monday–Friday, 7:00am-7:00pm.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for Gig Economy Workers, Contractors, Self-employed
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a new temporary federal program under the CARES Act that provides benefits to individuals who are not otherwise eligible for Unemployment Insurance.
Miner Resource Task Force
Miner Resource Task Force was formed to pull together community and state resources for our miners and their families. The Facebook page will provide information as it is made available.
Unemployment Insurance Scams
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions warns Unemployment Insurance claimants to beware of scammers who may be seeking to steal personal information and/or Unemployment Insurance benefits. The ONLY legitimate way to file for Unemployment Insurance benefits in New Mexico is through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. There is NEVER a charge to file for unemployment insurance benefits.
Suspected fraud activities should be reported by calling the Unemployment Fraud Investigations line at (505) 243-7283.
Work Search Requirements for Unemployment Insurance Resumes July 18
The Department of Workforce Solutions announced that the waiver of the work search requirements for unemployment insurance claimants is scheduled to end on July 18th. Claimants receiving benefits will be required to verify that at least two work searches occurred each week when submitting their certification. Individuals receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) are not required by federal law to conduct work searches and will continue to receive a waiver.
NMDWS Announces Additional Extended Benefits for Unemployment
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions announced that New Mexico will begin offering the Federal-State Extended Benefits program for those who have exhausted their previous unemployment benefits. The program offers up to an additional 13 weeks of benefits to individuals who have exhausted both their regular unemployment benefits and 13 weeks of the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) assistance.
Motor Vehicle
MVD Announces Availability of Temporary Driver’s Licences
Most drivers whose licenses have expired since March 11, 2020 can now obtain a 90-day temporary license, and some will receive it by email automatically this week, according to the NM Motor Vehicle Department or MVD. MVD has prepared the temporary licenses over 32,000 drivers whose licenses have either expired since March 11 or will expire by May 15. Drivers who haven’t provided the MVD with an email address can obtain the temporary license at www.mvdonline.com by opening the “Online Services” menu near the top of the page, choosing “Eservices” and then “Drivers & Placards.”
MVD Offices in Three Counties to Remain Closed
Motor Vehicle Division offices in McKinley, San Juan and Dona Ana Counties will not reopen on June 1 as previously scheduled due to the continued spread of COVID-19 in those areas. MVD field offices in other areas of the state will reopen Monday, June 1 on a limited, appointment-only basis for transactions that cannot be completed online at mvdonline.com. Staff will employ COVID-safe practices at all field offices, and customers will be expected to adhere to them, as well. Staff and customers will be screened for symptoms and will have their temperatures taken before being admitted to field offices. Face coverings will be required in compliance with the state Public Health Order. New Mexicans throughout the state are strongly encouraged to continue using MVD’s online services to renew driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations and take care of many other transactions from the safety of their homes.
Legal Services
New Mexico Legal Aid
New Mexico Legal Aid provides free services to eligible low-income New Mexico residents with civil (non-criminal) matters. Our services range from education, advice and brief services, to full representation in some cases. No one is denied access on the basis of race, age, gender, religion, political affiliation, beliefs, or disability.
2019 Taxes
New Mexicans will have an extra 90 days to file and pay their 2019 personal income taxes in recognition of the economic hardships many are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taxpayers will have until July 15 to file and pay any taxes due. The deadline for 2019 corporate income taxes also will be extended until July 15.
