Kern County assistance programs.

Organizations that provide aid

Information on charities and non-profit agencies is below. In addition, over 130,00 Kern County and Bakersfield residents receive assistance every year from the Community Action Partnership of Kern. This organization is a non-profit that provides resources and assistance e for Kern County residents. Some of the services they offer are energy conservation services, food assistance, low income energy programs, weatherization, health care, a medical clinic, and more. They operate from many offices throughout the county, including in Arvin, Tehachapi, Bakersfield, Cantel, Delano McFarland, Havilah, and more.

Emergency food assistance - Aid is offered through both private, public, and government donations. The food banks are located throughout the county, and people can participate in the following programs: Emergency Food Assistance, Senior Brown Bag, Emergency Food and Shelter and Provider Pantries. Dial 398-4520 to learn more or apply.

Energy bill, assistance, weatherization services, and utility bill payment - Assistance cab be provided to eligible low and moderate income residents living in Kern County. Dial 336 5203.

• Energy and Utility Bills - Grants and funds can assist households and individuals with making one-time utility bill payments, that have a goal of preventing disconnection of their utility or heating services. Utility bill assistance programs includes paying gas, propane, firewood, heating oil, and more.
   
• Weatherization services - Will assist low-income families and individuals to better utilize their available income and save money. It will help them reduce and save on their heating and utility bills by providing Weatherization services to their apartment or home, all at no cost to the owner or renter. The upgrades are fee!

Health care from family health center - Discounted or free primary health care is available to low-income residents in Bakersfield and Kern County California. Services that people can use include immunization, newborn physicals, OB/GYN services, well-child assessments and adult medicine. Dial 336 5300. The clinic is located at 1611 First Street, Bakersfield. Also, learn more on health care programs, including California prescription assistance.

 

 

 

The Bakersfield California Salvation Army ((661) 587-1660) runs numerous assistance programs. If you apply and qualify for aid, receive funds for paying for medical bills, prescriptions, rent, energy bills. Counselors also provide information on senior and elder programs, day care and child care, and other forms of advice.

Nutrition and food programs in Kern County

There are a few different food programs currently in place. The options now include the Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Brown Bag program, and senior assistance. Overall, the focus of these various options is to to distribute both federal government USDA Surplus Commodities and also pass out emergency food that is provided by both private and public to individuals and households who are in need of food assistance because of such circumstances as a job loss, medical emergency or inadequate household income. Call the Community Action Partnership of Kern at (661) 336-5236 to learn more.

Another option is the Flood Bakersfield Ministries. This is a partnership formed by local churches that provides thousands of people every year with food, groceries, hot meals, and other forms of nutrition. Dial (661) 32-Flood.

Information on other assistance programs, including rent, energy bills, and more

It is recommended that you also contact the Kern County United Way. The agency is based in Bakersfield, but it services the entire county. Each and every year the United Way provides local charities and nonprofit agencies with hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding. These agencies then take those funds and provide help in meeting the needs of the low to moderate income, unemployed, elderly and others. The agency funds programs that distribute food, funds for paying rent, shelter, clothing, counselors that offer foreclosure and mortgage help, protection, and other emergency services and financial support. You can call them at 661-834-1820. Also, click here to learn more about California charities.

The Community and Economic Development Department - both of Bakersfield and Kern County California, administer the federal government funded Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. The program can provide emergency short and long term rent assistance, money to pay security deposits, moving costs, and also provide eviction prevention funds. Dial (661) 8625041.

Several different agencies and programs across the county target housing and rent issues that Kern County and Bakersfield residents may be facing. So funds, counseling, and support is offered. Get details on Bakersfield rent assistance programs, including who to call, or where to apply at.

Kern County food banks and pantries

The leading organization to call is the Kern County Food Bank. The non-profit provides free food (including Senior Brown Bags, USDA Commodities, and Emergency Food and Groceries) to needy families throughout Kern County. Call 661.336.5200 for a referral.

The government Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program is another option. Dial 888.942.9675 (Toll Free).

Kern County Department of Human Services (DHS) runs the Food Stamp Program. You will need to schedule and interview for a face to face appointment. Dial 661.631.6000.