There are more than 160,000 veterans in New Mexico—that’s more than 10% of the population! New Mexico has a high concentration of veterans compared to other states, according to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.

May is National Veteran’s Appreciation month in New Mexico and throughout the nation. A few quick facts about veterans in New Mexico:

• Approximately 8.4% of veterans were living below the poverty level in 2013.
• Of those living below the poverty line, about 36% had a disability.
• Veteran unemployment rates are typically lower, with about 7% of veterans unemployed.
• New Mexico is a leader in ending veteran homelessness, with Las Cruces and Santa Fe effectively ending veteran homelessness, and Albuquerque not far behind.

Below are veterans’ organizations in New Mexico dedicated to helping vets with all aspects of life, including jobs, healthcare and housing for homeless vets. These are just some of the Veterans’ organizations available on ShareNM.org—to see even more veterans’ organizations in New Mexico, visit our Resource Directory.

DISABLED VETS

New Mexico Disabled American Veterans

New Mexico Disabled American Veterans has a nationwide transportation network to help sick and disabled veterans get to and from their local VA medical facility.

Paralyzed Veterans of America, Inc.

Veterans impaired by spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, amytropic later sclerosis and other spinal cord damage can get assistance through the Zia Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Inc.

HEALTHCARE

VA Community Clinic

Part of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the VA Community Clinic provides primary adult medical health care for veterans in New Mexico, as well as mental healthcare and substance abuse treatment.

Healthcare for Homeless Veterans New Mexico

Located at 1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Albuquerque, Healthcare for Homeless Veterans New Mexico provides public benefits support services and supportive housing for homeless vets.

Gallup Veterans’ Transition Center

The Gallup Veterans’ Transition Center provides a 28-day substance abuse program for eligible veterans, including behavioral and mental health counseling.

Veteran and Family Support Services

Veterans and their family members can receive case management, behavioral health assessments, treatment for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries at Veteran and Family Support Services.

VETERAN EMPLOYMENT & CAREERS

New Mexico Veterans Outreach Business Center

Are a veteran who would like to start or expand your New Mexico business? The New Mexico Veterans Outreach Business Center is dedicated to helping veterans start their own business, and also helping business owners expand.

Veterans’ Hiring Initiative

The Sandoval County Veterans’ Hiring Initiative assists veterans in transitioning to civilian life by increasing their employment opportunities with the Sandoval County government.

New Mexico State University Veterans Affair Office

Need help obtaining your GI Bill benefits in New Mexico? The New Mexico State University Veterans Affair Office can help with your GI Bill FASA forms and requesting state residency for tuititon.

HOMELESS VETS

New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers

For homeless veterans in New Mexico, the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center helps those who are experiencing a housing crisis or who are homeless. Housing for men and women, employment training and counseling are just some of the ways New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers helps homeless vets.

Women Veterans of New Mexico

Providing support for all female veterans, Women Veterans of New Mexico provides support to homeless veterans or veterans who are nearly homeless.

Serve Veterans Fund

Working side-by-side with the Freedom Camp Social Club, the Serve Veterans Fund provides a variety of services to Veterans, including housing and shelter, healthcare, job training and much more.

Las Vegas Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing Reintegration Center

Serving homeless vets throughout New Mexico but primarily in the northeaster portion of the state, this program works with other community agencies to identify the needs of local veterans and provide help.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Veteran Legal Assistance

The New Mexico Bas Association Young Lawyers Division offers free legal assistance to veterans in New Mexico.

NATIVE AMERICAN VETS

Southwest Native American Veterans Association

For Native American veterans who need help obtaining VA benefits, the Southwest Native Veterans Association can help. SWNAVA increases and enhances access to VA benefits and services, including Veterans’ healthcare, housing, employment and education.

Do YOU know of any veterans’ organizations in New Mexico that aren’t on the list? Let us know in the comments!