When the Season’s Not Feelin’ So Merry and Bright: An UpLift Chronicles Resource Guide
Check out UpLift Chronicles' guide to accessing food, clothing, and mental health resources during the winter holidays.
by Shannon Yvonne Moreau
One of my favorite holiday traditions is watching all the TV episodes where the holidays go wrong. A beloved parent doesn’t show up. The significant other bails on the relationship. The power goes out. The food burns to a crisp. You name it.
The holidays can be difficult for so many reasons: not enough food, money troubles, feeling isolated, or being stressed out and overwhelmed. UpLift Chronicles collected available resources for help with food, clothing, and mental health this holiday season.
Food & Clothing Resources
Whittier International District Food Hub
instagram.com/idfoodhub
Free food, meals, and clothes every other Friday. Seniors from 2-3pm; general public from 3-6pm. Dec. 13, Dec. 27
Whittier Elementary, 1110 Quincy St. SE, on the corner of Kathryn and Truman
The Storehouse
505-842-6491 | storehousenm.org
A full shopping cart of free groceries, including nonperishable items, meats, dairy, and fruits/veggies on Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 9am-12pm / noon
106 Broadway Blvd. SE, on the corner of Broadway and Central
Bring a photo ID. You’ll fill out paperwork on your first visit. This will include information about yourself and the members of your household who need food. First-come, first-served basis. Don’t bring pets for food safety purposes.
Roadrunner Food Bank
505-349-5340 | 575-523-4390 | rrfb.org/find-help/find-food
Call one of the above numbers, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, to talk to someone on the food assistance line. Use the food finder, based on your location, at the above link. You’ll get a list of food pickup locations and phone numbers to call to confirm days and times.
Mental Health Resources
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988.
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line
1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474) | nmcrisisline.com
Professional counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to talk about your emotional, mental, or behavioral health concerns.
Peer- to-Peer Support Warmline
1-855-466-7100
Call: 7am–11:30pm
Text: 6pm–11pm
Agora Crisis Center
Local: 505-277-3013 | Toll-free: 1-855-505-4505 | agoracares.org
Helpline Hours: 6am-12am / midnight, based on volunteer availability.
Anyone can call. Talk about good things, bad things, stress, anger, loneliness, or just vent. Phones are staffed by trained volunteers from the greater Albuquerque area.
Veterans Affairs (VA) New Mexico
Mental health care: 505-265-1711, ext. 2150 | va.gov/new-mexico-health-care
New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline (NMSA Helpline)
1-844-667-2457 | nmsahelp.org
24/7 helpline to connect SA survivors to someone trained to listen and direct them to a local program, as needed.