By Patricia Morales Cano

For the second cold season in a row, the Town of Silver City has opened the old Recreation Center, located at 1016 N. Silver Street, to the unhoused and anyone lacking heat in their homes.  Formerly called a "warming center", the program will now be referred to as The Haven Winter Center, to distinguish it from the Silver City Warming Center which is located on College Avenue and is not run by the Town. The center is currently open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., with a hot meal served around 5:30, and will remain open as long as the temperatures are 40 degrees or below with other factors, such as wind chill and moisture, making the temperature cold enough to be considered an emergency. Guests may come just for dinner or request a cot and bedding, clean clothes and a shower.  The purpose of the program is to offer a zero barrier location for individuals who normally sleep outside to warm up and rest in a safe environment.  Pets are welcome as long as they are on a leash and well cared for and guests may bring a few belongings.  Hot drinks and snacks are available throughout the night and there are always two individuals who remain awake all night long to  ensure the safety of the guests. The only restrictions are that no drugs, alcohol or weapons be on the property and that no smoking or vaping take place inside the building.  Law enforcement rarely has to be called for assistance because the guests are respected, not judged, and they are expected to respect the individuals that are on hand to make their stay comfortable.

Last year's warming center, which became a reality upon a recommendation from the Housing and Behavioral Health Task Force, was very successful not only because of the Town's willingness to offer funding for a place where individuals could warm up during extreme weather conditions, but also because of monetary assistance from the County and the public.  Monetary donations were even received from residents from other states who had grown up in Grant County and wanted to help. The residents of Grant County were also very generous with their donations of food, supplies, clothing, shoes, bedding, paper products, cookware and their time. Visitors are always encouraged to share a meal with the guests and have a conversation with them. Many in our community are interested in finding solutions to homelessness, but unless they have direct, positive contact with those individuals who are actually unhoused, the idea of homelessness remains an abstract concept.

A list of items that would be greatly appreciated at the center is included.  Questions should be directed to Patricia Cano at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Non-monetary donations are accepted at the center location any time after 5:00 p.m. when the center is open.  The best way to find the location is to approach it through Gold and 10th Streets.  Donations may also be taken during regular business hours to June June's ice cream shop, formerly known as The Mint Chip Creamery, located at 820 N. Bullard Street in downtown Silver City.  This year's monetary donations are being handled through an agreement with the Gila Community Foundation.  Checks may be sent directly and made payable to the Gila Community Foundation with a note in the memo line that the donation is for The Haven Winter Center.  Mail to P.O. Box 1767, Silver City, NM  88062.  Monetary donations may also be delivered in person to 1106 N. Pope Street from Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may also give online at https://gilacf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund/funit_id=1597.

 There are a few paid positions available for center attendants, as perhaps the most difficult part of operating a warming center is the need for individuals who are able to spend the night and remain awake.  Last year the center was run by only one paid employee and a full-time volunteer who stayed every night for 63 and 60 nights, respectively, and a volunteer who came almost every night to assist and clean the building to make it ready for other groups to use it.  A few other volunteers assisted a few nights a week.  They did an amazing job; however, it is hoped that with more paid positions it will not be necessary for any attendant to spend every night at the center.  Some people in the community are of the opinion that by operating a warming center the Town is enabling homelessness.  We, at the Center, believe it is important to remind everyone that the sole purpose of such an operation is to prevent deaths from frostbite and hypothermia. 

WARMING CENTER NEEDS

Wash cloths

Hot chocolate packages

Paper towels Jackets & coats 

Tooth brushes

Tea bags & cider mix

Napkins

Sweatshirts

Toothpaste (no mint)

Drink mixes (large cans)

Plasticware Hoodies

Razors (for men/women

Coffee creamer Stirring sticks

Belts

Shaving cream

Sugar Serving spoons

Scarves & mufflers

Lotion

Cookies, muffins, breads

Containers for storing food Gloves

Chapstick

Peanut butter/jelly

Pot scrubbers

Hand warmers

Small combs

Individual snacks

Dish cloths

Flip flops (all sizes)

Bandaids

Granola bars

Bookshelves

Women's socks

Glue sticks

Nuts

Clothing racks

Women's underwear

Colored pencils

Fruit Bins

Men's sweatpants

Coloring books/pages

Ramen noodles

Dish soap

Women's sweatpants

Magazines to cut out of

Cup of Noodles

Large serving bowls

Shower shoes

Scissors for crafts

Microwave popcorn

Ceramic dessert plates

Large poster boards

Small candy bars

Non-plastic spoons & forks

Pens/pencils

Sandwich bread

Dish towels

Tylenol

Cups for cold drinks

Laundry baskets

Cough medicine

Sugar free snacks

Decaf coffee

We are not accepting clothing except for what is on the list.