Find Help

The Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative (BKRHC) exists to reduce the impacts of homelessness in the Bakersfield-Kern region through collaborative planning and action that expands access to permanent affordable housing and supportive services.

BKRHC does not provide any direct services for individuals and families currently experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness.

If you or a friend or family member are currently or at-risk of experiencing homelessness, please consider the following resources:

Call 2-1-1

2-1-1 is our local public resource directory. It also serves as one of the primary ways of engaging the Coordinated Entry System (CES). CES is a program designed to connect individuals and families currently or at-risk of experiencing homelessness with service providers able to assist them.

Service Providers

The following agencies and organizations provide services to individuals and families currently or at-risk of experiencing homelessness.

ALLIANCE AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSULT

Outreach Center: 1921 19th Street, Bakersfield CA 93301

Walk-ins: 2101 Oak Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Phone: (661) 322-0931

24-hour Crisis Hotline (800) 273-7713

 

 Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault provides advocacy, counseling, and assistance to help survivors of Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Violence, Child Abuse, and Human Trafficking reclaim their lives.

Services include 24-hour crisis intervention hotline, emergency shelter and transitional housing, employment and childcare assistance, as well as supportive services such as individual and group counseling, case management, legal and hospital accompaniment, employment and housing assistance, and community educational trainings.

 

www.kernalliance.orgwww.facebook.com/aafvsa , www.aafvsa.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/aafvsawww.pinterest.com/aafvsawww.instagram.com/aafvsa

 www.instagram.com/teentipsnthoughts

BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE

(661) 395-4011

1801 Panorama Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93305

 

Established in 1913, Bakersfield College is one of the nation’s oldest continually-operating community colleges. The college serves 33,000 students annually on the 153-acre main campus in northeast Bakersfield, at the Delano Campus 35 miles north of Bakersfield, the Weill Institute in downtown Bakersfield, and BC SouthWest in southwest Bakersfield.

We also offer classes at several alternative locations, including Shafter Leaning Center 18 miles northwest of Bakersfield, Arvin/Lamont, McFarland, Olive Drive Training Facility in northwest Bakersfield, Wasco and other community locations

 

https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu

BAKERSFIELD HOMELESS CENTER

(661) 322-9199

1600 E Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301

 

The Bakersfield Homeless Center creates a strong safety net for homeless and at-risk families throughout Kern County by providing a broad continuum of services, such as emergency shelter, housing and employment assistance, and childcare.

Once crisis needs are met, individuals are offered compassion and guidance while creating a plan to rebuild self-sufficiency. We provide shelter today and the tools needed to independently maintain housing for a lifetime.

 

Info@bakhc.org;   https://bakhc.org/

CALIFORNIA VETERANS ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION

(661) 323-5637

3509 Union Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93305

Resource and Referral Centerinfo@cavaf.org

Walk-ins accepted

 

California Veterans Assistance Foundation provides transitional and permanent housing for veterans and their families who are homeless, at-risk for homelessness, and/or low income. Services are case management based, including employment and training, and assistance with local, state and federal benefits.

 

www.cavaf.orghttps://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Veterans-Assistance-Foundation/135038063236230

CASA ESPERANZA TRANSITIONAL HOME FOR WOMEN

(661) 664-4563

5501 Stockdale Highway 13104, Bakersfield, CA 93389-7197

 

Casa Esperanza Bakersfield will provide safe and supportive transitional housing in Bakersfield, California for homeless women and their children. Residents will live in a family-like environment that produces a spirit of community and a sense of extended family while transitioning to sustainable independence.

 

www.esperanzabakersfield.org

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

(661) 281-2130

825 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301

avorhees@ccdof.org

Walk-ins accepted; appointments and referrals not required.

 

Catholic Charities is a social service agency providing aid to families in crisis. Our agency provides food services, CalFresh & PG&E application assistance, DMV vouchers along with rental & utility assistance, when available.

 

www.ccdof.org

CITY OF BAKERSFIELD

INFORMATION PENDING – Collaborates with the KCHC and oversees Emergency Solutions Grant dollars from the state specifically slated for homelessness efforts. Also, Bakersfield Police Department works with homelessness service providers to allow us to intervene whenever possible for housing, outreach opportunities (prior to code enforcement action), and more. Solid Waste works with Bakersfield Homeless Center to facilitate an Employment Program for work experience and a city contract for animal shelter and roads support.

CLINICA SIERRA VISTA

https://clinicasierravista.org/

  • Homeless Health Services

(661) 328-4283

1015 Baker Street, Bakersfield CA 93305

Referrals required from              

margarita.rosson@clinicasierravista.org

 

Homeless Health Services delivers medical and social services to homeless adults and children as a homeless clinic.

 

  • Homeless Most Vulnerable Project, Griffins Gate, SAMHSA Homeless Behavioral Health

(661) 322-7580

234 Baker Street, Bakersfield CA 93305

margarita.rosson@clinicasierravista.org

A dedicated case manager provides one-on-one, intensive case management services to chronically homeless individuals who have unique challenges not often encountered in other populations with goal of Housing First.

Transitional housing is available for 17 homeless men and women in a sober living environment for up to 24 months. Intensive case management addresses substance abuse, mental health, health concerns, education, training, employment and accessing income benefits and permanent housing. (See also Casa de Amigos: Griffin’s Gate)

Street outreach teams identify and enroll homeless veterans and chronically homeless individuals in mental health and substance abuse services including intensive outpatient alcohol and drug treatment.

A referral form, verification of chronically/homeless or veteran, and verification of housing voucher (entering housing or at risk of losing housing) is required from              .

COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP 2-1-1

2-1-1 or (800) 273-2275

(661) 336-5236

Mailing Address: 5005 Buisness Park North, Bakersfield, CA 93309

 

Established in 1965, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) administers close to a dozen poverty fighting programs aimed at meeting children, families and individuals at their point of need.

 

onlinewww.211kerncounty.org

info@capk.org;  www.capk.org

CAROL SUGIMORI

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

FLOOD BAKERSFIELD MINISTRIES

(661) 323-5663

3509 Union Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93305

diane@floodbako.com

 

Flood provides street outreach and housing placement services for those experiencing homelessness who meet eligibility criteria for housing vouchers provided by the Housing Authority of the County of Kern.

 

www.floodbako.comwww.facebook.com/floodbako

GARDEN PATHWAYS

(661) 633-9133

1616 29th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301

https://www.gardenpathways.org

 

Garden Pathways transforms lives from the inside out through loving, mentoring relationships.

GOLDEN EMPIRE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

INFORMATION PENDING – low income housing developer.

GOLDEN EMPIRE TRANSIT

(661) 869-6341

1830 Golden State Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301

agarza@getbus.org

 

Golden Empire Transit (GET) is public transit. Agencies can receive free one-time passes for pre-arranged agency events.

 

www.getbus.org

GREATER BAKERSFIELD LEGAL ASSISTANCE, INC.

(661) 325-5943

615 California Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93304

gbla@lightspeed.net

Walk-ins accepted

 

Established in 1968, GBLA is a non-profit organization offering free legal services in civil matters to low-income persons. With founding philosophies deeply rooted in antipoverty programs, GBLA represents those unable or too afraid to speak for themselves because of racial, economic, social, or legal barriers; and provides basic legal services for basic necessities such as health care, safe housing, education and food.

Other focuses are aimed at preventing homelessness, reducing domestic violence, protecting children from further exposure to domestic violence, fostering stability of care for children, and ensuring that the elderly live with dignity and respect in an environment free of abuse and neglect.

 

  • Community Homeless Law Center Project

A project attorney, legal case manager and outreach coordinator provide legal assistance to HUD eligible homeless persons to eliminate legal barriers; and obtain and maintain permanent housing and income. Clients receive direct civil legal assistance and/or participation in a Community Homeless Court, an actual Kern County Superior Court misdemeanor and traffic session held every two months. The Project serves the homeless who are wrongfully denied access to housing and/or other services that would link them to or help them maintain housing.

 

http://gbla.org

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF KERN

(661) 631-8500 ext. 2100

cparnell@kernha.org

601 24th Street, Bakersfield CA 93301

 

The mission of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern is to “improve the quality of life for low-income residents of Kern County by providing safe, affordable housing and assisting residents towards self-sufficiency and homeownership.”  We provide affordable housing to thousands of Kern County residents through special programs serving families, individuals, seniors, veterans, the disabled, homeless persons, farm workers and emancipated foster youth.

By partnering with local community organizations, the Housing Authority is able to provide permanent supportive housing services including housing, rental assistance, and supportive services to homeless individuals and families.   The Authority is an active developer of affordable housing, acquiring and building housing to help meet the affordable housing needs in Kern County.

 

www.kernha.org

INCOME PROPERTY ASSOCIATION OF KERN

(661) 322-3288

1234 Chester Avenue, Suite 102
Bakersfield, California 93301

Directors@ipaknet.org

 

The Income Property Association of Kern exists to provide knowledge, networking, and resources that assist landlords in operating profitable and ethical rental properties. IPAK is a member driven trade association that engages in public affairs and government relations on behalf of owners, investors, developers, managers, and suppliers of rental homes and apartment communities.

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INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER OF KERN COUNTY

(661) 325-1063

5251 Office Park Drive, Bakersfield CA 93309

Walk-ins available/ appointments encouraged to prevent wait time

 

Independent Living Center of Kern County (ILCKC) is a non-residential, nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities to grow creatively, professionally, and personally; and educates the community about disability related issues. ILCKC goal is to promote positive change in society leading to the integration and acceptance of persons with disabilities within our Kern community.

 

info@ilcofkerncounty.org;  www.http://ilcofkerncounty.org/

KERN AROUND THE CLOCK FOUNDATION

(661) 324-3221

5251 Office Park Drive 103, Bakersfield CA 93309

Payee Program: cortiz@bakersfieldcare.comsmorrison@bakersfieldcare.com

Walk-ins accepted

 

Kern Around the Clock Foundation is committed to providing exceptional account management through a payee service for claimants who receive Social Security benefits, and private pay claimants. Case management, caregiver services and nursing are also provided.

 

http://bakersfieldcare.com/

KERN BRIDGES YOUTH HOMES

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to provide responsive solutions and trauma-informed care to Kern County’s vulnerable children by providing safe homes, accessible services, and engaging in ongoing quality improvement.

 

History

Kern Bridges Youth Homes (KBYH) was established in October of 1987 as a non-profit, state licensed Foster Family Agency. Dan Marble, LCSW, had called together a group of community leaders composed of a cross section of citizens to form the KBYH Board of Directors and in April of 1988, the State of California, Community Care Licensing granted KBYH its license.  By February 1989, the first group of foster parents finished their training and KBYH placed its first three children.

 

In 1994, Kern Bridges received accreditation from the California Association of Services for Children (CSC).  CSC later merged with another agency and is now known as the California Alliance for Children and Family Services (CACFS).  KBYH is still a member of the CACFS, but as of September 2014, is accredited through the Council on Accreditation (COA).

 

In 1997, KBYH opened a 6-bed group home program for severely disturbed boys aged 8-13.  The program is called The John and Dorothy Almklov House, honoring the Almklov family for their many years of supporting children’s programs in Kern County. This program now serves boys ages 12-18 years-old.

 

In 1999, the state licensed KBYH as a private adoption agency.  This major step provides for a larger continuum of care within KBYH.  Also in 1999, KBYH was licensed to provide CEU’s to nurses, Group Home Administrators, LCSW’s and other professionals.

 

In 2001, KBYH opened its second group home, a 12-bed facility for severely disturbed boys aged 10-15.  This program now serves boys ages 12 to 18 years old.  The program is called The Daniel and Nancy Marble Casa de Niños, honoring KBYH’s founder and his family.

 

In 2003, KBYH purchased a building for the FFA and Administrative offices on Stine Road.  The new facility provided for a large training facility for the Community Education program and training of prospective resource families.

 

In 2017, the KBYH FFA program adopted the requirements of AB403, which requires the approving of resource families (vs. certifying foster families).

 

In 2019, KBYH completed the process of transitioning its group homes to the requirements of being a Short-Term Residential Treatment Program (STRTP) as required by AB 403.

KERN COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

(661) 868-3198

Kern County Administrative Office
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 5th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301

https://www.kerncounty.com

 

The County Administrative Office (CAO) works to strategically manage countywide implementation of policies and service goals at the direction of the Board of Supervisors, the legislative body for the County of Kern.

The CAO responds to requests and referrals from the Board and conducts research and analyses in order to provide recommendations on how to best serve the public using available County resources.

KERN COUNTY AGING AND ADULT SERVICES

(661) 868-1000

Kern County Aging and Adult Services
5357 Truxtun Ave. (just east of Mohawk)
Bakersfield, CA 93309

 

Aging & Adult Services Department is committed to providing community-based services to ensure seniors and disabled adults remain safely in their home. We strive to preserve the dignity of older adults and persons with disabilities.

 

aginginfo@kerncounty.com; https://www.kerncounty.com/aas

KERN COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES

(661) 868-6600

Mental Health Administration
2001, 28th Street
Bakersfield, California 93301

 

Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (KernBHRS) is the mental health and substance use plan of care administrator for all of Kern County.  We provide mental health and substance abuse services in person and through our large provider network of partners. Although we serve many populations and demographics, we primarily serve clients through Medi-Cal and AB109 support.

We provide many services for the homeless community, including outreach, housing and treatment services.  We are incredibly proud to be members of the Homeless Collaborative and are excited for the future as we tackle the issues our communities face together.

 

https://www.kernbhrs.org/

Crisis Line Toll Free 1-800-991-5272
Crisis Line (661) 868-8000
Crisis Line TTY 711

For more information:

 

Kern Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Family Advocacy services,

call  (844) 360-8250

For information on

Laura’s Law-Assisted Outpatient Treatment,

call (844) 360-8251

KERN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

(661) 631-6448

100 E California Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93307

mcalism@kerndhs.com

 

The Kern County Department of Human Services administers public assistance programs which provide housing; and nutrition and medical coverage benefits. Partnering with children, individuals, families and the community, DHS provides customer-centered services. The mission of DHS is to ensure safe, protected and permanent homes for children; and actively assists individuals as they prepare for employment.

 

www.co.kern.ca.us/dhs/

KERN COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

(661) 636-4593

1300 17th Street, Bakersfield CA 93301

Jason Hodgson: Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability jahodgson@kern.org

Appointment required

 

KCSOS provides consulting support and fiscal-monitoring services to Kern’s 47 school districts. Education support ensures that homeless students are afforded all of the educational rights detailed in the McKinney-Vento Act, including collaboration with the Kern County Network for Children.

 

www.kern.org/cia/categorical-programs

KERN HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (KERN MEDICAL)

(661) 326-2000

1700 Mt Vernon Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93306

 

Kern Medical offers a range of primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services including high-risk pregnancy care, inpatient psychiatric services integrated with county mental health programs, and a growing network of outpatient clinics providing personalized patient-centered wellness care.

KERN HEALTH SYSTEMS

1-800-391-2000

 

Kern Health Systems (KHS), the Local Initiative for Medi-Cal Managed Care, is the largest health plan in Kern County. Through our Kern Family Health Care Medi-Cal product, KHS began providing medical care to our members in July of 1996. KHS is committed to our mission of improving the health of our members with an emphasis on prevention and access to quality healthcare.

KHS strives to be a leader in developing innovative partnerships with the safety net and community providers to elevate the health status of all community members. KHS serves Kern County including the cities and communities of: Arvin, Bakersfield, California City, Delaano, Lamont, McFarland, Rosedale, Shafter, Taft and Wasco.

 

http://www.kernfamilyhealthcare.co

KERN COUNTY NETWORK FOR CHILDREN THE DREAM CENTER

(661) 636-4488

1801 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301

 

The Dream Center, named by the founding foster youth who helped design services delivery, is Kern County’s only one-stop resource center for current and former foster youth up to the age of 24.

 

https://kern.org/kcnc/dream-center/

MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS

(858) 573-2600

 

Mental Health Systems is a non-profit agency founded in 1978 to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities facing substance abuse and behavioral health challenges. Toward this end, we provide mental health and drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in an innovative and cost-effective manner.

 

Mhsinc.org

RAVI AND NAINA PATEL FOUNDATION

INFORMATION PENDING

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL

(661) 323-7340

300 Baker St, Bakersfield, CA 93305

 

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is composed of women and men who seek their personal holiness through works of charity. In this essential way, the Society differs from charitable associations or agencies whose principal objective is not the spiritual advancement of their members but the doing of good for someone else

STEWARDS INC.

(661) 631-1258 Extension 1230

2211 H Street, Bakersfield CA 93301

lauren@stewardsinc.org

Walk-ins accepted/ appointments and referrals not required

 

Stewards Inc. provides financial management payee services primarily to the elderly and disabled individuals.

 

www.stewardsinc.org

THE MISSION AT KERN COUNTY

(661) 325-0863

821 E 21st Street, Bakersfield CA 93305

info@themissionkc.org

 

Since 1952 The Mission at Kern County has provided: overnight shelter for men ages 18 and up (including meals, showers and clothing); one-year discipleship and recovery programs for men and women ages 18 and up; and a one-year transitional housing program for those who graduate from the one-year programs.

 

www.themissionkc.org

TURNING POINT OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

(661) 325-5774

1101 Union Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93307

(559) 732-8086

615 S. Atwood Street, Visalia, CA 93277

 

Turning Point of Central California was founded in 1970. We are dedicated to helping people become healthy in body, mind and spirit through direct and referral services. We work with communities to help solve problems.

UNITED WAY OF KERN COUNTY

(661) 834-2734

 

United Way of Kern County’s (UWKC) Homelessness Resource Department provides community education and empowerment through community conversations, trainings and presentations. UWKC serves as the Collaborative Applicant and Fiscal Sponsor of the Kern County Homeless Collaborative.

United Way focuses on systemic change to resolve poverty; providing free tax preparation through VITA, financial literacy classes and cash matching, Raising a Reader, Born Learning Trails and learning libraries for early child education, provides over $220k annually for nearly a decade (via employee campaigns) to Kern County homelessness efforts.

 

www.UWKern.org

WOMEN’S CENTER-HIGH DESERT, INC

(760) 371-1969; (760) 375-7525 for a 24 Hour Hotline 

134 S China Lake Boulevard, Ridgecrest CA 93555

womenscenter.hd@wchdinc.org

Walk-ins accepted

 

Women’s Center’s Project H.O.P.E provides transitional housing and case management for single and family households who are homeless due to domestic violence.

A domestic violence emergency shelter is also on site.

 

womenscenterhighdesertinc.org