Kern County and Bakersfield Church Assistance Programs

Residents of Bakersfield and Kern County can access various assistance programs from religious and church-affiliated organizations that offer food, housing support, help with utility payments, and financial guidance.

Church & Faith-Based Programs in Kern County and Bakersfield

Catholic Charities of Bakersfield

Located at 825 Chester Avenue, the facility operates as a Comprehensive Family Resource Center. It offers immediate emergency aid, long-term self-sufficiency initiatives, and assistance with applying for public benefits to residents throughout Kern County.

All services are provided regardless of religious affiliation.

Food security and nutrition programs

Daily Food Pantry: Operated in partnership with the CAPK Food Bank. It provides emergency food boxes containing enough non-perishables, proteins, and fresh produce to supply a household for approximately one week.

Senior Food Program: A specialized monthly distribution tier providing nutritious food boxes designed specifically for low-income seniors.

Rural Outreach Program: For individuals living outside city limits who cannot physically visit the main Chester Avenue location, mobile units bring the same food assistance directly to rural Kern County communities.

CalFresh Application Assistance: On-site caseworkers help families manage, complete, and submit applications for the state’s CalFresh (SNAP) program to secure ongoing food benefits.

Immediate and basic family needs

Diaper and Child Hygiene Program: Provides emergency supplies of diapers, wipes, and basic child hygiene items to parents with young children.

Clothing Bank: Distributes seasonal clothing, footwear, and basic functional garments to adults and children facing situations of extreme need.

LISTOS Emergency Preparedness: Educational training and resources focused on helping vulnerable families prepare for regional natural disasters or utility-related emergencies.

Financial and housing stabilization

Rent and Mortgage Assistance: When funds are available, partial emergency grants are offered to prevent evictions. Note: This service requires a scheduled in-person assessment, a current rental record demonstrating a six-month payment history, and documented proof of sustainable future income.

Representative Payee Program: A specialized financial management service that assists adults (often recipients of SSI, SSDI, or VA benefits) who need professional help organizing their monthly budgets and ensuring the timely payment of essential living expenses.

Career Services

HopeWorks Program: Focuses on breaking the cycle of structural poverty by offering career guidance, resume assistance, skills training workshops, and direct job placement support.

Important Location and Hours Information

Physical address: 825 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Direct phone line: 661-281-2130

Regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Daily closure: The facility closes strictly from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily for lunch.

Flood Ministries

Flood Bakersfield Ministries is a faith-based non-profit organization operating in Kern County and dedicated to eradicating chronic homelessness. Rather than functioning as an emergency financial aid fund or a traditional food bank, Flood operates primarily as the region’s main network for street outreach (direct contact on the street), housing placement, and long-term stabilization.

They collaborate closely with the City of Bakersfield, local law enforcement, and the Kern County Housing Authority to locate, contact, and house individuals sleeping outdoors.

Major Programs and Services

Street Outreach Teams: Flood is the primary provider of street outreach services in Kern County. Their teams travel to encampments, streets, and rural areas to build connections with homeless individuals, distribute basic survival supplies, and conduct initial vulnerability assessments.

Housing Navigation Services: Case managers guide individuals through the complex process of transitioning from street living to permanent housing. This includes:

Developing an individualized housing stability plan.

Obtaining essential documentation, such as state IDs, Social Security cards, and birth certificates.

Providing the official verification of homelessness required for state and federal housing programs. Housing support services: Once the client has housing, Flood provides ongoing case management to ensure they maintain stability, pay rent, access medical or mental health care, and adjust to their new environment.

Family Reunification Program: Funded in partnership with the City of Bakersfield, this initiative helps individuals experiencing homelessness return to their original family support networks. Flood covers long-distance travel logistics and coordinates a “direct, safe transfer” (or “warm handoff”) with family members or support systems located outside the Bakersfield area.

How to Get Help and Contact Information

Since Flood Ministries focuses on fieldwork (direct street outreach), the most effective way for an individual experiencing homelessness to access their housing programs is through the county’s centralized portal.

If you are experiencing homelessness: Call the Kern County 2-1-1 helpline. Request a Coordinated Entry System (CES) assessment, which alerts outreach teams like Flood.

To report an encampment or request outreach assistance: You can contact the Flood team directly via their dedicated hotline for individuals experiencing homelessness: 661-578-5354.

Administrative Office: 1830 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 210, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Office Phone: 661-323-5663

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed Saturdays and Sundays).

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul of Bakersfield operates primarily as a comprehensive day center and crisis resource center. Located at 316 Baker Street, its programs focus largely on meeting the immediate basic survival needs of low-income, impoverished, and homeless populations in Kern County.

All assistance is provided free of charge to anyone in need, regardless of religion or race.

Day center and hygiene services

The center operates as a safe daytime refuge where individuals can shelter from extreme weather, rest, and regain their dignity.

Showers and restrooms: Access to clean shower facilities within the center.

Hygiene kits: Distribution of daily hygiene packs containing soap, shampoo, mouthwash, adhesive bandages, a disposable towel, socks, underwear, and seasonal items such as hats.

Mail service: The center serves as a legal, permanent mailing address for individuals who lack a stable place to receive correspondence, ensuring they do not miss vital communications regarding benefits, legal matters, or housing. 2. Food and nutrition programs

• Daily cooked meals: The center serves hot meals throughout the week:
• Breakfast: Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m.
• Lunch: Monday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
• Snack packs and to-go lunches: Portable food kits distributed during operating hours so users can take them along when the day center closes.
• On-site food pantry: Food and emergency grocery baskets are distributed to families and individuals facing an immediate crisis.

Practical and crisis-related financial assistance

Depending on available grant funds and local donations, the center offers direct support for important administrative processes and the payment of certain emergency bills:

Documentation fee assistance: Financial aid specifically intended to cover state fees required to obtain official birth certificates and California identification cards.

GED exam assistance: Support to pay registration fees associated with obtaining a high school equivalency diploma (GED).

Emergency utility and rent assistance: Direct crisis financial assistance to cover overdue utility or housing expenses, subject to the availability of local funds.

Clothing and furniture distribution: Vouchers or direct provision of shoes, blankets, work pants, everyday clothing, and basic household furniture.

Important location and contact information

Physical address: 316 Baker Street, Bakersfield, CA 93305 (Cross street: East California Avenue)

Direct phone number: 661-323-7340

Program hours: Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (closed Sundays).

The Salvation Army of Bakersfield

offers a robust safety net for residents throughout Kern County. Operating from its “Bakersfield Corps” community center, its programs provide immediate crisis assistance, emergency housing services, and essential nutritional support.

Financial and utility assistance

Emergency rent and mortgage assistance: Provides critical, short-term financial grants designed to prevent evictions and allow families to remain in their homes during unexpected financial crises.

Utility bill assistance: Helps low-income households maintain electricity, gas, and water services. Fund availability varies, and applicants generally must present an overdue payment notice.

Food banks and meal services

Choice-based food bank: Offers emergency food boxes to eligible individuals and households once a month.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Requirements: Adults must present valid photo identification, proof of address, and birth certificates or passports for children living in the household.

Commodities distribution: Additional food distributions take place every Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Senior Lunch Program: A congregate meal program offering a nutritious lunch to seniors every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Emergency shelter and long-term programs

Homeless shelter placement: Coordinates emergency and transitional shelter options to ensure safe housing for men, women, and children experiencing sudden displacement.

Pathway of Hope: A case management initiative aimed at families with children. It offers personalized mentoring, goal planning, and job readiness training to help break the cycle of generational poverty.

Adult Rehabilitation Center: Located at 200 19th Street, this center houses a free residential recovery program designed to help individuals overcome substance abuse issues and regain self-sufficiency.

Thrift & Donation Services

The Salvation Army operates thrift stores that help fund its local social programs. These locations also serve as sites where families can redeem vouchers for clothing and household goods issued during times of economic crisis.

Wilson/Ming Store: 4130 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309

19th Street Store: 120 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Important location and contact information

Physical address: 4417 Wilson Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Social Services phone: 661-837-4243

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed Saturdays and Sundays).

Centralized networks for immediate assistance

Since pantry funding and schedules change frequently, the most efficient way to locate active programs is through local coordination centers:

211 Kern County: Managed by the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), this 24/7 helpline connects you with resources for rental assistance, food distribution, and utility aid. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211 Kern County to find active events organized by churches.

The Open Door Network: Working closely with local faith-based groups, they manage housing support units and immediate placement in emergency shelters. You can contact them directly through the City of Bakersfield Homeless Hub.