Deming Silver Linings|NM|homeless coalition

Providing Resources to Houseless Residences of Luna County

Our Services

Silver Linings is dedicated to helping those in need by providing essential support to houseless residents of Luna County. Through meals, clothing, and community resources, we work to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to our neighbors.

COMMUNITY MEALS

A warm, healthy meal can be the first step toward hope. Our community meals not only provide nourishment but also a safe, welcoming space where people can connect, feel supported, and begin the journey to getting back on their feet.

THRIFT SHOP

Affordable clothing, household essentials, and unique finds are available to help individuals and families meet basic needs. Every purchase supports our mission to provide resources and referrals that guide people toward stability and independence.

RESOURCE CENTER

We connect people in need with the right programs, services, and referrals for housing, employment, health care, and more. Our goal is to ensure you have the tools and support to rebuild your life and thrive.

Be Part of the Silver Lining

Your time, skills, and generosity can make a real difference for our neighbors in need. From volunteering to donating, every act of kindness helps families get back on their feet and move toward a brighter future.

Volunteer your time
Share your skills
Donate items
Give financially

More info

Woman holding a box of clothes for donation

32,000+

Meals Served in 2024

Families & Individuals Supported Through Resource Center 2024

Volunteer Hours Given 2024

Homelessness: Fast Facts

Definition:

Lacking a stable, safe, and adequate place to live.

Chronic Homelessness:

Being unhoused for a year or more, or repeatedly, often with a disabling condition.

Common Causes:

Lack of affordable housing
Job loss or underemployment
Health crises or disability
Domestic violence

Mental health challenges
Substance use disorders

The Growing Crisis:

Homelessness is rising nationwide — in cities, towns, and rural areas.
Housing costs are outpacing wages.
Gaps in mental health and addiction services leave people without support.

Why It Matters:

Ignoring it won’t make it go away — it will get worse.
Safe housing first, paired with supportive services, is the most effective path to stability and stronger communities.

Southern New Mexico Homelessness: At a Glance

Point-in-Time Snapshot:

In the January 2024 statewide count, the Balance of State (outside Albuquerque) recorded 1,011 people living unsheltered, alongside 746 in emergency shelters and 152 in transitional housing.
Luna County (Deming area) had 10 people in emergency housing that night; other cases included families separately, with an emphasis that these counts are likely underestimates demingheadlight.com.

True Scope Likely Much Larger:

A New Mexico Department of Health study shows that between 2019 and 2023, nearly 30,900 people experiencing homelessness sought hospital care—2 to 4 times more than what “point-in-time” counts indicate Source New Mexico KOAT.
Doña Ana County, which includes Las Cruces, accounted for 1,792 of those, suggesting Southern New Mexico’s problem is undercounted in official numbers KOAT.

Housing Instability in Luna County:

Luna County ranks high in “severe housing problems”—16% of households face issues like overcrowding, high housing cost burdens, or lack of facilities demingheadlight.com.

Why It Matters & Why It Will Get Worse:

Point-in-time counts provide a snapshot but miss “hidden homelessness”—people doubled up, staying in vehicles, or in temporary situations.
Rising rent costs (up ~70% since 2017 in New Mexico) with sluggish wage growth exacerbate housing insecurity—especially for elderly, low-income, and fixed-income households KVIA Reddit.
Without targeted action, local homelessness—already likely undercounted—will continue to grow in the coming years.