Assistance programs Kern County and Bakersfield.

Find how to get financial assistance in Bakersfield and Kern County CA. Low income families, senior citizens, the disabled and immigrants will get rental assistance, free vouchers for gas or transportation, a free box of food, medical care, and government aid. Locate financial assistance near you or free items from churches, charities, and government agencies in Bakersfield CA as well as the county.

In addition to emergency financial assistance for paying bills in Bakersfield and Kern County CA listed below, there is free stuff from places including charities or churches. This includes school supplies, gas for travel, furniture, a free car for work, and more. The goal of that is to allow a family the ability to use their income to pay the bills rather than material goods.

Community Action grant assistance, financial help and job placement

Over 100,000 Kern County and Bakersfield residents receive assistance every year from the Community Action Partnership of Kern. Everything from free grant money to referrals, home repairs and credit repair is offered in Bakersfield CA region. This organization is a non-profit that provides resources and financial assistance for Kern County residents.

Some of the services they offer are free energy conservation services, free food assistance, as well as applications to low income energy bill programs. Community action also has 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 - Support is offered through both private, public, and government donations. The free food banks, including a drive thru, are located throughout the county, and people can participate in the following programs: Emergency Food Assistance, Senior Brown Bag, free snacks for kids and a free Pantries. Dial (661) 336-5236 to learn more or apply.
Government energy bill assistance, weatherization services, and utility bill payment - Assistance cab be provided to eligible low and moderate income residents living in Kern County. LIHEAP, free AC units and other eectric bill help is for low-income families..
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 electric or heating services. This is in addition to the government programs. Utility bill assistance programs includes paying gas, propane, firewood, heating oil, a deposit and more.

Weatherization services - Will assist low-income families and individuals to better utilize their available income and save money. Free roof repairs, insulation and more, including for seniors or disabled people.. 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!
Housing counseling services. The community action agency can help low income families buy a home or stop foreclosure. Leasing and renting resources may be offered in Kern County as well. As an example, find details on a variety of loan programs to pay bills.
Homeless programs from Community Action - Kern County CA homeless people can get referred to a place to stay, including free hotel or motel vouchers, shelters and more. This is part of what is offered, and locate homeless voucher program near you.

Several other financial assistance and government programs are managed by the community action agency, including employment resources. More on the Community Action Partnership of Kern.

Organizations in Kern County for financial help for rent, bills, and other needs

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.

Or get a free eye exam or glasses in Bakersfield. Dial 661 336 5300. The clinic is located at 1611 First Street, Bakersfield. Also, learn more on health care programs, including California prescription assistance.

There are many other government (federal and state of California) programs for free medical or dental care. Clinics, prescription medications, check ups, diabetes, and other services are arranged. The support is generally for the low income, uninsured, patients with no money and immigrants among others. Find a list of community clinics near you for free healthcare.

The countywide Bakersfield California Salvation Army (( (661) 837-4243) runs numerous assistance programs. If you apply and qualify for financial aid, receive funds for paying for medical bills, prescriptions, rent, or electric bills. Counselors also provide information on senior and elder programs, day care and child care, and other forms of advice.

Or apply for seasonal help, including free back to school supplies, Thanksgiving meals, or Angel Tree Christmas gifts for kids. There are also free vouchers, such as for gas, furniture, or a car. Addresses are below. Or find free furniture near you.

151 N. Downs St. Ridgecrest CA 93555-5402, Phone: (760) 375-7219
4417 Wilson Ave, Bakersfield CA 93309 United States, main number (661) 837-4243
Read more Salvation Army Kern County and Bakersfield.

Buttonwillow Union School District-FRC partners with the Salvation Army (see above) and other charities. Funds are, but when possible the center can help with rent, utility bills, deposits and first month's rent, mortgage payments, and offer emergency lodging. Other resources include a free food pantry and community clothing closet for emergency basic needs. Other social services include learning activities for children, health & wellness services, medical screenings, case management, and employment services. Address is 42600 Highway 58, Buttonwillow CA, 93206. Call (661) 764-9405

It is recommended that you also contact the Kern County Referral Service. The agency is based in Bakersfield, but it services the entire county. Each and every year there are funds raised for local charities and nonprofit agencies with hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding. These charitable agencies then take those funds and provide help in meeting the needs of the low to moderate income, unemployed, elderly and others.

Government and private sector grants fund programs that distribute food, funds for paying rent, shelter, clothing, counselors that offer foreclosure and mortgage help, protection, and other emergency services. They try to provide financial support to the low income and needy. You can call 211 for referrals.

InfoLine - Kern County has hundreds of churches, charities, and government aid programs in the region. A free service has been set up that families can call on for information. Staff can help direct residents to everything from grant programs to welfare, free health care, housing, day care vouchers, and much more. Continue with Kern County InfoLine.

Bakersfield Homeless Center (Bethany) helps people on the verge of eviction or those who are currently homeless and need somewhere to live. Financial assistance is offered by referral only, and an appointment is needed. The non-profit can offer rental assistance, energy bill help, and prescription medications. Other services include free food, groceries, clothing, and meals. An emergency homeless shelter is operated as well as free motel vouchers for the homeless in Kern County.

Other transitional and case management services for Kern County low income residents include personal development, housing search assistance, vocational counseling and job development. Substance abuse counseling, free legal aid, and referrals are offered too.

Also, the Homeless Center administers 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. Address is 1600 East Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield California, 93305. Call (661) 322-9199 or (661) 322-9294, or find help from Bakersfield Homeless Center.

Kern Lifeline Project, HIV-AIDS is for families with HIV members as well as patients. Receive counseling, advocacy and emergency financial assistance and referrals. The non-profit Kern Lifeline organization can provide services and help such as rental assistance, insurance counseling, legal assistance, transportation assistance, medications, food programs, and other forms of health and mental health assistance. Call (661) 324-3262 for intake.

Delano Senior Center is for older adults and the elderly. Programs include income tax and utility rebate assistance, help with Social Security payment problems, Medicare, as well as free legal aid. Or get free Medi-Cal applications, and eviction prevention / low income housing for seniors. A cooling shelter is on site too. Call 763 972-0574.

The California Veterans Assistance Foundation operates in Kern County. It provides transitional housing for evicted and homeless veterans. They can also access information on employment resources, a food pantry, medical care, and free computer classes. Or get help in locating permanent, affordable housing and tips for paying the rent and security deposit fees on a new home.

Veterans can also use some of the military programs for saving money and shopping. One is the ShopMy Exchange Discount Network. The address of the office is 729 Decatur Street in Bakersfield CA 93308. Call 661-399-2490.

Housing Authority of Kern County offers numerous services. Among them include low-income housing for qualified farm labor families from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program. There are also section 8 housing choice vouchers for paying a portion of rent, information on home loan programs, the FSS Family Self-Sufficiency Program, and HUID counseling. Or locate low-income apartments for seniors and working poor. The office is in Lamont California. Main phone is 661.631.9500.

Sharing And Caring of Tehachapi - Offers household supplies, free clothing, food, gasoline and rent vouchers, utilities, and bus tickets. May have winter coats for children and school supplies. Address is 207 S Pauley St, Tehachapi, CA 93561. Dial 661-822-3001.

Kern Around the Clock Foundation (KATCF) Payee Program is for the elderly, disabled, and senior citizens. It can handle client's SSI or social security funds, pay rent, food, and provide clothing needs with these funds. Also has Christmas and Thanksgiving food baskets and other groceries. Address is5701 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309. Call 661.325.5346 for intake or information.

Love Inc. Of Greater Bakersfield can be reached at 661- 325-8838. Get help with budget planning, automobile repairs, chores and errands for the disabled, appliance repair, access to a food pantries, home delivered meals, some furniture and appliances/ refrigerators. Other services administered include help someone move locally, home maintenance, parenting and nutrition skills, transportation to job interviews, doctor appointments, and work. Read more Kern County Love Inc.

Emergency Assistance and Social Services - The county has a non-profit housing authority as well as a Department of Human Services that can provide lower income and struggling residents with emergency financial assistance. The county can provide free health care, food, rent and housing assistance, and energy bill help. Read more Kern County emergency assistance.

Government aid - Low income families in Bakersfield and nearby areas can apply for state and federal government programs. There is also transportation programs, such as free car vouchers for the unemployed, and grants for people with no money. The most common include CalFresh (food stamps), CalWorks (Cash assistance) and medical care. Several other resources are available as well. Click more Kern County public assistance.

Renters can get assistance. 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.

Temporary housing programs and services are operated by non-profits and some government agencies. The transitional housing programs support thousands of evicted and homeless Kern County families every year. Importantly most of the agencies provide case management and counseling, which will help an individual gain stability, find a job, and locate a permanent home. There is shelter for migrant workers in Kern County too. Read more housing programs in Kern County.

Churches, parishes, and faith based groups offer various forms of assistance in Kern County. Examples are as follows:

Many have free food pantries and soup kitchens, and serve as food distribution sites for the community action agency.
Migrants, immigrants, and farm workers can get shelter and information on job programs from churches in Bakersfield.
Counseling, including for drug or substance abuse and the sick.
Some have emergency financial aid, including for prescription drugs, rent, gasoline, motel vouchers and more.
Find more details on church financial assistance programs in Kern County.

In addition to the food programs above, Flood Bakersfield Ministries provides housing support too. Resources range from linkage/information on local homeless prevention to stabilization services for families facing an eviction. There is a Street Outreach program for the homeless and more. The team can help by providing details on options that can help the person move into transitional housing and offer referrals to government grant programs, among other support. Call 661-323-5663 for details.

Catholic Charities of Kern County - This non-profit agency can help the needy, regardless of their religion, background, or culture. Emergency financial assistance may be offered to those faced with a crisis, and can include free food or possibly even money for paying utilities or rent. A food pantry and thrift stores are offered for clothing and groceries.

Various programs for the elderly and seniors are offered. Catholic Charities is a great place to call for referrals and case management, and even information on government assistance such as Cal Fresh or the PG&E Care Program. Address is 825 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield California. Telephone (661) 281-2130. Click here for more details on Kern County Catholic Charity assistance programs.

McFarland Community Collaborative and their Family Resource Center offers some or all of the following. Financial support for rent or energy bills, as funding allows. Non-monetary aid includes clothing, food, baby formula and supplies (diapers), and groceries. The center can refer people to local medical and dental clinics too. 410 East Perkins Ave, Mc Farland California, 93250 telephone number (661) 792-1883

Taft West Side Community/Family Resource Center offers Family Support Services. This includes help for basic needs, such as food, diapers, Prescription Medications, vouchers for clothing/shoes, and bus passes/ transportation assistance. Seasonal programs include back to school supplies, Thanksgiving food baskets, and Winter Coat Drive. Also apply for government aid such as Healthy Families/ Medi-Cal Services. The center provides referral assistance for other services. Dial (661) 765-7281

Women's Center - High Desert, Inc. may have funds for rent, mortgage, or utilities, and that depends on FEMA EFSP stimulus money. A major focus is on single moms, women facing DV in Bakersfield and immigrants. Call (760) 371-1969

McFarland Unified School District partners with non-profits such as the Salvation Army to provide rent, housing, or mortgage help. In addition, an emergency food pantry is accessible twice a year. Additional social services include a clothing closet, baby supplies, and work clothes. Job programs include computer access and resume writing skills and feedback.

Free health care is offered in the form of referrals for dental, health, and vision coverage to families whose children do not have insurance. Resident of McFarland or surrounding area may be qualified. Phone number is (661) 792-1883.

Homeless Prevention from Emergency Food and Shelter Program can provide up to one month emergency rent, mortgage or utility bill assistance, free food, and more, including shelter for victims of domestic violence. In some cases, forgivable loans may be used for this this financial support. The United Way disburses annual government grants to charities in Kern County, who then process applications.

Some of the non-profits involved are Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, Mountain Communities Family Resource Center (based in Frazier Park CA); The Mission, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno, Bakersfield Homeless Center, Hearthstone Community Services, Saint Mary's Charitable Mercy Committee and others. Read more Kern County homeless prevention services.

The Kern County Homeless Collaborative works with those partners listed above as well to end and reverse evictions, foreclosures, and the resulting homelessness. Programs include Flagship Projects, Vets Stand Down, Continuum of Care, and others.

Free clothes, furniture, and school supplies stuff - Bakersfield and Kern County California low income families can receive goods such as free clothes, low cost furniture, school items or uniforms, and Christmas toys or gifts. Free clothing as well as furniture banks or low cost thrift stores are the main places to turn to for assistance.

Thousands of families from the region receive support from these centers every year, whether it is clothes, beds for kids, backpacks for students or other items. Click Kern County free clothing closets, furniture and school supplies.

Saint Vincent de Paul of Kern County offers one time per year emergency assistance. Referrals from churches or government agencies are needed in some cases. May have gently used clothing, personal hygiene kits, food, and holiday assistance.

Furniture and free meals may be available. While limited, some money may be distributed for housing or medications for the unemployed or working poor. 316 Baker St, Bakersfield California, call (661) 323-7340, or learn more on St. Vincent de Paul assistance in Kern County.

Delano Community Connection Family Resource Center – Electric and utility bill assistance may be available for Southern California Edison/ Gas Customers. FEMA utility assistance maybe offered if someone has a disconnection. Any financial assistance offered for rent or electric bills depends on available funds. Other programs include food baskets, case management, referral services, clothing, and CPS is on site.

The non-profit is a family resource center serving the low income families and children of Delano California. They also partner with public agencies and charities. Case managers coordinate services from public agencies and local providers. They also house special medical clinics and more. Dial (661) 721-5000.

Kern County families can get free energy updates to their home. It is for very low income families, seniors or the disabled (with a limited income) and others. the federal government USDOE pays for it, and read more on free weatherization energy saving updates.

Proteus, Inc. offers employment and training services for anybody meeting program requirements. Additional emergency services include food vouchers for seasonal farm workers. Incentive Program can receive up to $500 for successfully completing High School Diploma, ESL, or GED. 1816 Cecil Avenue, Delano CA 93215, dial (661) 721-5800

Free Christmas toy giveaways and holiday meals are provided by charities in Kern County. The programs are called Adopt a Family or Christmas Meals on Wheels for seniors and the disabled. The goal is to offer gifts and assistance to low income families at the holidays. More on Kern and Bakersfield free Christmas programs.

N.E.E.D.S. Center can help those with an economic crisis. The agency can offer clothing, food, gasoline, permanent shelter, prescriptions, and referrals to other non-profit agencies. While limited, utility and rental assistance may be offered for low income families when funds are available.

Necessary Emergency Economic District Site offers emergency assistance. This is a last resort, crisis program. The non-profit may provide gasoline, free food, clothing, prescription medications, and more. Utility bill and rent assistance may be offered, but is rare. They also partner with local non-profits such as the Kern County Food Bank. Address is 110 Asher Ave, Taft, CA 93268. Telephone (661) 763-4888

Alliance Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault – This non-profit serves victims of domestic violence. They offer an emergency shelter, in-house crisis intervention, and some basic legal aid from free lawyers in Bakersfield. For more medium term services, they run a transitional housing project, which will provide case management, housing, and services such as job training, financial empowerment resources and employment opportunities. Address is 1921 19th St., Bakersfield California, 93301, call (661) 327-1091.

Bakersfield Department of Human Services – Very low income and the indigent of Kern County can look into financial assistance programs. Aid may be offered while pending receipt of long-term disability benefits, Social Security, unemployment, or while people are waiting for emergency rental payments via voucher systems.

General assistance may be offered as well. This includes rent and utility assistance for low income individuals and the working poor. Any money is paid directly to your landlord or utility company. Vouchers for basic needs may be offered too. Also look into Medi-Care, Food Stamps (CalFresh), Healthy Families, Medi-Cal, and other public aid.

Kern County Department of Human Services (DHS) can help the very low income and indigent. Assistance can also be provided to the unemployed, disabled, and those living on a fixed income. Resources offered include rent payment vouchers, applications for Medi-Cal or Medi-Care, Food Stamps, Cal Works and more. The government agency may also have referrals to public housing, clinics, and local food pantries. Address is 100 East California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA, 93301, call (661) 631-6000.

The Kern County Fair Housing Law Project is for any county resident. It will ensure everyone is protected by fair housing laws and that they are not illegally evicted, or that they are not denied safe and affordable housing or apartments. After all, housing discrimination is prohibited by both federal and state of California laws. Call (661) 325-5943

Senior citizens can get help from Aging and Adult Services. This Kern County non-profit will help older residents maintain their independence, and also assist their care givers. An Information and Referral line offers details on financial aid, grants and medical care. There is also In-Home support, free meals at congregate sites, Medicare applications, and Meals on Wheels, among other services. Outreach will also help the elderly, and read more Kern County Aging and Adult programs.

Stewards Inc. focuses on the elderly, senior citizens, and their caregivers. Programs include Representative Payee Service for Social Security Retirement and or Disability recipients. Counseling and assistance with credit repair and budget management. Helping Hands is the resource that works with people and can help them help pay rent and other bills. Telephone - (661) 631-1258

Family Centers

These locations offer residents of their immediate region in Bakersfield County a number of services. Receive help in applying for rental and energy assistance, food, and other self-sufficiency, such as career counseling.

Mountain Communities Family Resource Center of Frazier is located at 3015 Mount Pinos Way #201. Phone number is (661) 245-4303
The Kern River Valley Family Resource Center is another option for the region, including the Lake Isabella area. Call 760-379-2556
Women's Center - High Desert, Inc. offers programs for families with children and women. 134 South China Lake Boulevard, Ridgecrest CA, 93555. Dial (760) 371-1969

There are numerous Family Resource centers for the low income in Kern County, as noted above. Most focus on the vulnerable, such as households with children, single moms, or senior citizens. They can be a great resource for clients. Learn more on Family Resource Center assistance programs.

Kern County food banks, free meals and emergency pantries

In addition to the three distribution centers below, a few dozen other food banks, soup kitchens, and pantries are located in the region. Many also operate soup kitchens. They will do their best to help anyone who needs it, and not turn people away. Read more on free food pantries in Kern County.

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. There is a free pet food pantry too. Call 661.336.5200 for a referral.

The government Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program is another option. Dial 888.942.9675 (Toll Free). It provides vouchers for infant formula, nutritional counseling, and other support. Low-income and single moms can get free infant formula, diapers, wipes and more.

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

There are other Nutrition and food programs in Kern County. There are a few different resources 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.

The resources are 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. Other services include furniture and transportation. 1201 24th St. B110-229, Bakersfield CA, 93301. Dial (661) 32-Flood.

Bakersfield and Kern County free job training

CETF Career Services Center of Bakersfield focuses on job training, placement, and homeless prevention. They also offer use of computers, including laptops. Examples of their services are below.

Computer courses are taught, as well as receive free internet access. Some charities can provide computers, or help with paying for laptops.
Staff and volunteers assists eligible clients with job placement, career training, job search assistance and other services.
The Homelessness Prevention Program is available for some towns, including Shafter, Arvin, and California City. They work closely with Catholic Charities on emergency rent and utility bills. They can refer people who are homeless to shelter or other social services.
Financial assistance may be provided to those who complete self-sufficiency and other services. Receive help with needs such as transportation and child care, or receive clothing for your new job. Transportation assistance is wide ranging, and can include such things as mechanical assistance or repairs to your car or even a free truck or vehicle for low-income families.
Other resources include gasoline allowance or a bus pass can be issued. The Child Care assistance is provided through the Kern County Community Connection for Child Care. As indicated, a clothing allowance or vouchers may be provided for those who have a job interview and need a new suit or dress.

Some of the employment services include Vocational Training programs to be a Medical Assistant, Truck Driving, Nursing Assistant, Clerical work and more. Other job trainings are available throughout the year as well. English as a second language Spanish Classes are available too.