Community Resources

2-1-1 Kern County, a program of Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), provides comprehensive information and referral services that link Kern County residents to community health and human services and support. Callers seeking assistance dial 2-1-1 and are connected with Information and Referral Specialists who utilize the same resource directory we make available here on our website. By responding to clients' information and referral needs by phone or through our website, we ensure the information sought is provided in the most customer-friendly way possible depending on the client. CAPK has been designated by the California Public Utilities Commission as the 2-1-1 provider for Kern County. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to close to 900,000 residents in the county.

In support of our community, BHC Kern partners have put together a list of local resources to help locate everything from food to academic support for students to health information. A comprehensive list of these resources is available in both English and Spanish. 

• Dignity Health: The following options are available to access the program for arranging a virtual visit
  • download the Virtual Care Anywhere app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
  • call 1 (855) 356-8053 and use the coupon code COVID19
• Adventist Health developed a special coronavirus advice line by calling 1 (844) 542-8840, which is available from 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific time, Monday through Friday.
• Accelerated Urgent Care began exclusive Coronavirus testing at the medical facility in southwest Bakersfield located at 212 Coffee Road.
• The Mobile Evaluation Team: MET is dispatched by law enforcement when a mental health crisis is identified in the community. MET provides crisis intervention, voluntary and involuntary assessment for psychiatric hospitalization, and follow-up in the community. Active suicidal thoughts with a plan in Kern County call (661) 327-7111.
• eTrueNorth: Do you need a COVID-19 Test done? Bakersfield Community Free COVID-19 testing is available on specific days. Pre-registration is needed via the website. 
• Affordable Health Insurance Information: Health insurance options for at-risk, homeless, and vulnerable youth
• BC Student Health and Wellness Center: The BC Medical Assistant is available for you to make telehealth appointments. Please call (661) 395-4336 or email BCStudentHealth@bakersfieldcollege.edu. Private and confidential. If you need there's a good resource you can use. 

• BC Student Health Wellness Center: The BC mental health providers are still available for all enrolled students to make personal and confidential virtual appointments. Please call (661) 395-4336 or email BCStudentHealth@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
• Kern Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (KernBHRS): Understanding the anxiety, stress, and uncertainty that this situation is causing across our community and beyond, they are providing a 24-hour Crisis Hotline which will remain fully staffed and operational at 1 (800) 991-5272 to help residents work through any anxiety and uncertainty they may be experiencing during this time.
• Pacific Health Education Cognitive Center Inc.: A new service to help reduce the anxiety created by social distancing due to the coronavirus. Tele-connection services are free to Cognitive Center clients and to the residents of Kern County. The COVID-19 Support Group toll-free number is 1 (888) 415-0604.
• CCC Health & Wellness Resources: Providing California Community College students, faculty, and staff with resources, best practices, and opportunities.
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. In English and in Spanish, call 988. (This service was formerly known as The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI helps millions of Americans who face mental illness every day.
• Talkspace Online Therapy: Online counseling by text, audio, or video messaging at an affordable cost.
• Better Help: Professional online counselors are available 24/7, private, and affordable.
• Crisis Text Line: Free, 24/7, confidential text message service for those in crisis - text UAB to 741741.
• Trans Lifeline: Peer support services, hotline, and resources. Transgender Crisis Hotline: 1 (877) 565-8860.
• The Trevor Project: Saving Young LGBTQ Lives - LGBTQ+ Hotline: 1 (866) 488-7386.
• Grad Crisis Care: Grad Resources, Graduate Student Help Line 1 (800) 472-3457.
• Addictive Eaters Anonymous (AEA) is a worldwide Twelve Step fellowship based on Alcoholics Anonymous. AEA members have found recovery from binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, other forms of addictive eating, and compulsive exercise. Through working the Twelve Steps of AEA, members find peace of mind and the ability to live a meaningful and productive life. Please info@AEAunitedstates.org or call (657) 999-3303 for more information. 
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1 (800) 273-8255 and Press 1 or Text 838255. Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
• Getting the Most Out of Online Therapy
• College Suicide Prevention Guide: Research indicates that more and more college students are thinking about suicide. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and get help.

• California Veterans Assistance Foundation (CVAF): CVAF serves veterans and other individuals and their families who are homeless, at-risk, and low income. To restore and improve lives by alleviating homelessness through information, advocacy, and service. (661) 695-3626 - 1400 Easton Dr. STE 102, Bakersfield, CA 93309.
• Supportive Services for Veterans Resource and Referral Center: Types of Funding Available: Rental Assistance, Utility - Fee Payment Assistance, Security Deposits for housing, Emergency Supplies, Transportation. (661) 873-4600 - 731 Decatur Street, Suite D, Bakersfield, CA 93308.
• Kern County Veteran's Service Department: Multiple locations. Helps with Disability Compensation for service-connected illnesses or injuries, non-service-connected pension/Widows Pension (Aid and Attendance) for veterans who served during a war-time period, education/training programs for Veterans & dependents, medical treatment, home loans/loan guarantees, burial expenses reimbursement and death benefits, veterans homes, College Fee Waiver Program for eligible dependents, and Identification Cards for Veterans. (661) 868-7300 - 1120 Golden State Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
• Bakersfield Veteran's Center: Offers counseling services for readjustment, Post-traumatic stress, bereavement, substance abuse, as well as varied support groups and activities. (661) 323-8387 - 1110 Golden State Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
• Military OneSource: Offers free resources to service members. A service providers section features free educational and promotional materials related to a wide array of issues affecting service members and their families, current news on policies affecting the delivery of care to service members, and reference guides. 1 (800) 342-9647.
• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless can contact the call center 1 (877) 424-3838 or chat online 24/7 for assistance accessing local support.
• Make the Connection: VA campaign to connect veterans, family members, and providers with information and available support, including stories from real veterans and a treatment and resource directory for finding local services.
• Student Veterans of America: Provides resources, network support, and advocacy to, through, and beyond higher education for student veteran success.
• VA Sponsored Apps: The VA's NCPTSD and DoD's National Center for Telehealth & Technology have developed several mobile apps to assist veterans, service members, and their families promote health, deal with PTSD and other mental health conditions, and improving quality of life. Providers can encourage their patients to utilize apps to complement treatment. 

• BC Student Health Wellness Center: The BC mental health providers are still available for all enrolled students to make personal and confidential virtual appointments. Please call (661) 395-4336 or email BCStudentHealth@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
• Addiction Group: Here you'll find our most frequently asked questions and find valuable resources for people suffering from substance use disorders. 
• College Drinking Facts from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
• Alcohol Rehab Guide: ARG 1 (855) 761-1370 is dedicated to helping people overcome alcoholism and achieve long-term sobriety. They are comprised of individuals who have personal experience with alcohol addiction and understand the importance of delivering top-notch resources and information. 
• American Diction Centers: ADC, 1 (888) 492-7043, is an industry leader in addiction treatment. Their team of top medical experts specializes in dual diagnosis treatment and is committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual available 24/7.  ADC Drug and Alcohol Hotline provides free, confidential emotional support, information on substance abuse and local resources, and assistance finding an addiction treatment program. ADC Drug Effects Calculator gives an estimated time of how long it might take for someone using a particular drug to sober up. ADC State-Funded Rehab Guide helps people find free state-funded rehab centers and treatment options near them.
• Green Mountain Treatment Center: Green Mountain Treatment offers every service you could need on your road to recovery. 
• Start Your Recovery: Provides helpful information for people who are dealing with substance use issues — and their family members, friends, and co-workers, too. They know that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges faced by those who misuse alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, or other substances, and we aim to break through the clutter to help people at any stage of recovery.

• WaterDamageAdvisor.com: Over 10,000 families lose their homes each year due to flooding, fire damage, and other storm-related events. Water Damage Advisor, 1 (855) 980-0467, was created to provide vulnerable populations with free resources about serious emergency conditions such as fires, storms, and floods.

The CalFresh Program, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), can add to your food budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. The program issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods in many markets and food stores. The CalFresh Program helps to improve the health and well-being of qualified households and individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs.

• Apply online by visiting getcalfresh.org.
• Apply in person at your local Human Services Office, especially if you need benefits right away.
• Request a CalFresh Application by calling (661) 631-6000 by phone. 

• Baby Cafe Bakersfield: Connecting the community with experienced, knowledgeable lactation care professionals in Kern County for all lactation needs and providing free breastfeeding support via phone at (661) 228-0230 and through virtual consults, which can be scheduled on their website. 
• WIC - Women, Infants & Children: CAPK WIC, 1 (866) 327-3074, provides: (1) Healthy Foods: WIC benefits to purchase healthy foods like bread, eggs, and milk to supply you and your family with essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and protein. (2) Nutrition Education: Registered Dietitians, Nutritionists, and trained professionals who can help inform, educate, and counsel you on the best nutrition for you and your growing family. (3) Breastfeeding Support: Personal, group and peer support from Lactation Educators to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. and (4) Referral Services: Referrals to important and necessary community resources, which can help you and your family, find health care, child care, housing, etc.

• MLK Community Initiative Food Distribution: The next food distribution will take place on April 20th at the 116 East California Ave location.
• All BCSD & KHSD Schools: Will resume until schools open again. Unsure if they will be providing lunches during spring break (the week of April 6th - 10th) but will resume afterward. 
• Gleaners Food Bank: Can be reached for support and food: (661) 324-2767. 
• St. Vincent de Paul Church: Serves those most in need free, hot meals throughout the week and can be reached at (661) 323-7340, or visit them at 320 Baker Street, Bakersfield, California.

Several companies including Charter, Spectrum, and Comcast have announced plans to offer free internet service for 60 days to households with students as classes are moving online amid concerns about COVID-19. Beginning March 16 Charter Communications will make its internet and WiFi services available for free for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who don't already have internet through the company. WiFi hotspots will also be open to the public. Please contact the companies at the phone numbers below directly to arrange services if you are interested.

• Comcast: Information about how Comcast is committed to keeping you connected, supporting their employees, and the community. 1 (855) 846-8376 for English speakers or 1 (855) 765-6995 for Spanish speakers
• Spectrum Internet Assist: Get high-speed internet at an affordable price. Spectrum Internet Assist is available exclusively to qualified households.
• Decision Data has created a resource showcasing low-income internet options that make the internet much more accessible. Their resources go over what low-income internet programs are available, why public wifi isn't ideal, and how much internet students will need for school.

• VolunteerMatch: Explore hundreds of virtual volunteer opportunities in cause areas like health and medicine, education, and community building, that you can do from a computer, from home, or anywhere. 
• OperationGratitude: Volunteer to write letters to the military and first responders. Every Operation Gratitude Care Package includes a bundle of letters from grateful Americans thanking their Military & First Responders Heroes for their service to our country. 
• Zooniverse: Zooniverse projects have a wonderful, global community that help contributors receive volunteer hours. The main ways of volunteering are helping with classifications on data, being a beta tester on projects yet to launch, and being a moderator for a project.
• DoSomething: As the largest not-for-profit exclusively for young people and social change, DoSomething's millions of members represent every US area code and 131 countries. Using our digital platform, DoSomething members join to volunteer, social change, and civic action campaigns to make a real-world impact on the causes they care about.
• Volunteer Resume: An in-depth guide on how to write a volunteer resume for anyone looking to give back to their community through volunteer work

If your place of employment is closing or at least reducing his number of hours due to state mandates, both the California and US governments are preparing resources to help with those out of work or working reduced hours due (only) to the Coronavirus. 

• California: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm
• US: usa.gov/coronavirus
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): In response to the national emergency and to protect our employees, America's taxpayers, communities, and our partners, the IRS has temporarily closed all Taxpayer Assistance Centers and discontinued face-to-face service throughout the country until further notice. The IRS is continuing to process tax returns, issue refunds, and help taxpayers to the greatest extent possible

• PCs for People: PCs for People provides affordable computers and low-cost internet eligible individuals and nonprofits 
• Online Article: How to Choose a Laptop for Less Than $500
• Human I-T: The team repairs donated technology that normally would be relegated to a  landfill. A socially responsible company, human-I-T strives to lead the charge to close the digital divide by giving those in need electronics free of charge. They work with the general public, non-profits, corporations, and government entities to achieve this goal.
• TechSoup supports nonprofits, charities, and libraries by providing access to donations and discounts on software, hardware, and services from major brands.

Possible Laptop Suggestions 

• ASUS - VivoBook Flip 12 J202NA 2-in-1 11.6" Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Celeron - 4GB Memory
• Acer Chromebook 15 CB315-2HT-47WG Silver 15.6" FHD IPS Touchscreen
• DELL Inspiron 14 3000 Laptop
• DELL Inspiron 15 3000 Laptop
• Dell - 2-in-1 11.6" Touch-Screen Chromebook - Intel Celeron - 4GB Memory - 32GB eMMC Flash Memory
• Lenovo - C340 2-in-1 11.6" Touch-Screen Chromebook - Intel Celeron - 4GB Memory - 32GB eMMC Flash Memory
• Lenovo - S145-15AST 15.6" Laptop - AMD A6-Series - 4GB Memory - 1TB Hard Drive
• HP 15 Laptop, Intel Core i3-1005G1, 4GB SDRAM
• Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 (Intel® Core™ m3, 64GB eMMC), Light Titan

• AT&T
• Sprint
• T-Mobile
• Verizon

• California Volunteers: Every Californian can safely help their community during these difficult times. Here are some ways you can make a difference.
• Meals on Wheels America: Vulnerable seniors are at greatest risk amid COVID-19. Let's help keep them safe and cared for. Contact your local Meals on Wheels organization

• Aunt Bertha, a Public Benefit Corporation: Search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
• Clean Slate Program: Have you had contact with the criminal justice system? Need help removing barriers caused by a criminal record? Clean Slate is a program of the Kern County Public Defender's Office that can help clean up and expunge your criminal record. The Public Defender's office will determine the allowable criminal history violations that can be reduced/dismissed/sealed/destroyed. The service is free and confidential. Email the program at cleanslate@kerncounty.com or call (661) 868-4799 to learn more and get started.
• Kern County of Department of Human Services: All Critical services will be provided to the public through minimal staffing during the hours of 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Services or information may be available by calling (661) 631-6000. Applications for benefits may be made online at www.benefitscal.com. Applications for CalFresh may be made at (661) 631-6062 and applications for Medi-Cal benefits can be made by calling 1 (800) 300-1506. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please call the Child Abuse Hotline at (661) 631-6011 (can be made at any time).
• Public Safety: Fire and Sheriff emergency services will be fully staffed. In case of an emergency, call 911. Substations will remain open unless the courts close.
• Kern County Library: Checked out materials will not be due during the days the library is closed. eLibrary is always open! Visit kerncountylibrary.org/elibrary to get started checking out eBooks, eAudiobooks, and more!
• Kern County Parks and Recreation: County Parks will be open and Park Rangers will be patrolling. Overnight camping is not available at this time. Rangers and park attendants will be at the gates.
• Kern County Probation: Kern County Probation Department performs incredibly critical work as a service to public safety.  The importance of these officers and their roles, both in the community and the criminal justice system, are amplified during these times of uncertainty.  Rest assured, while we have modified some protocols, essential Probation Staff continues to fulfill our mission by supporting the courts, caring for the youth in our facilities, and being ready to respond to significant public safety matters in the community as part of our community. 
• Public Defender's Office: All cases and court dates will continue as previously scheduled unless the court closes. If courts close, buildings will also close and run minimal staffing. Phone appointments where possible. 
• Kern County Department of Public Health: Closed to the public. Labs will remain open and birth and death certificates will be processed. The call center and EMS will remain fully functional.
• Kern County Public Works: Roads and landfills will be operational, a building inspection will be done with minimal staffing. Construction Inspection, Transit Cash Counting, and Transportation Permit all available.
• Street Repair Requests: Kern County Public Works will maintain essential services -road maintenance and flood control as needed.
• Waste and Recycling: Landfill and collection services will continue at regular staffing.
• Kern Transit: All local fixed routes in the Kern River Valley area have been suspended. In their place, they are offering curb-to-curb Dial-a-Ride service with additional buses as needed. Route 150 (Lake Isabella - Bakersfield) and Route 227 (Lake Isabella - Ridgecrest) will continue to operate on their regular schedule. Beginning Monday, Kern Transit is making route changes for the Bakersfield-based routes listed on their website. 
• Greenfield Family Resource Center: GFRC is a caring,  compassionate, supportive facility where every member of the community is welcomed. The GFRC partners with the District, community organizations, and agencies to help families be successful by strengthening children,  parents, youth, and the community as a whole. 
• Golden Empire Transit (GET): Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, GET will implement reduced service using the Weekend Service Schedule, 7-days a week. 
• Education Pays!: This page gives median weekly earnings and unemployment for various education attainment levels. The BLS publishes this information every mid-May. 
• United Way of Kern: United Way of Kern County leads a movement to improve community conditions in education, health, and financial stability. They offer programs and services to enhance the lives of Kern County residents, through donors, volunteers, advocates, and other stakeholders together to build powerful and sustainable coalitions and partnerships.

• Safety Plan: Having a plan in place that can help guide you through difficult moments can help you cope and keep you safe. Through this app, you can customize your own warning signs that a crisis may be developing; coping strategies for dealing with suicidal urges; places for distraction; friends and family members you can reach out to; professionals you can call; methods of making your environment safe; and you own important reasons for living. Download for iPhone or Android. 
• Sanvello: Popular app for stress, anxiety, and depression. Use Sanvello to manage daily mental health with tools like mood and health tracking, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive behavior therapy.
• Mindfulness Coach: A self-help app that addresses fears and worries using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies. The app walks you through making a list of feared activities and helps you master them, leading to less fear and worry. The app includes tools for a severity self-test, making a plan, anxiety tracking, and viewing your progress.
• What's Up?: A free app that uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy methods to help you cope with depression, anxiety, stress, and more. The app features a beautiful, modern design, simple headings and easy-to-follow methods to help you navigate to what helps you the most. Download for iPhone or Android. 
• MY3: You define your network and your plan to stay safe. With MY3 you can be prepared to help yourself and reach out to others when you are having thoughts of suicide.
• DownDog for School: Due to the current outbreak, many people are avoiding gathering in large groups, including yoga studios and other fitness spaces. We believe that stressful times like these are precisely when people need wellness practices the most, and we are committed to doing our part to help out.
• SAM: SAM will help you to understand what causes your anxiety, monitor your anxious thoughts and behaviors over time, and manage your anxiety through self-help exercises and private reflection.
• LIFE Intelligence: Beyond calming stress and anxiety, LIFE digs deep to address underlying causes, putting research rigor into your daily decisions, goals, conflicts. So you can live a more intentional, fulfilling LIFE.
• Daylio Journal: A mood tracker and private journal. Download for Android or iPhone.
• Youper: An emotional health assistant, powered by AI. Download for Android or iPhone.
• WeBot: A self-care app using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Download for Android or iPhone.
• Mood Tools: Tools to deal with depression developed by the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Download for Android or iPhone.
• Fear Tools: Tools to deal with anxiety developed by the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Download for Android or iPhone.
• Remente: Goal setting and self-improvement. Download for Android or iPhone.
• Stressbusters Wellness: Mobile app makes it possible for students to view, share, store, and use health tips, surveys, and other features. Download for Android or iPhone.
• Wysa: Mood tracker, mindfulness exercises, mental health assessment, powered by AI. Download for Android or iPhone.

• Bakersfield Homeless Shelter: (661) 322-9521 - 1600 E. Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93305
• The Mission at Kern County (Men Only): (661) 325-0863
• Alliance Against Family Violence: (661) 322-0931 or 1 (800) 273-7713: Secure shelter for battered women and children.

• Magdalene Hope: Supplies resources to victims of trafficking such as food and transportation to court, visits with family, etc. Do you need help? Call (661) 808-4673 or text 4357 “HOPE” to 233733 “BEFREE”
• Alliance Against Family Violence: The Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault serves women, men, teens, and children who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. 24 HR Hotline (661) 327-1091. 1921 19th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 | (661) 322-0931
• Alpha House Taft: Provides a 24/hr crisis hotline, (661) 763-4357, to provide immediate access to safety and services, a shelter for up to nine women plus children, assessment of client needs, referrals to other agencies, advocacy for resolution of legal issues, and housing, job assistance, community outreach, and education.
• Women's Center High Desert: A nonprofit organization providing a network of services relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse for Eastern Kern county and surrounding counties. All services are available to men, women, and children of domestic violence. They have several 24 hours hot/helplines. For sexual assault/abuse: 1 (760) 375-0745. For child abuse prevention: 1 (760) 375-7100. Other inquiries: 1 (760) 371-1969.

• The Trevor Project: Saving Young LGBTQ Lives - LGBTQ+ Hotline: 1 (866) 488-7386.
• Support for Gender Confirmation: Assistance for financing and supporting Gender Confirmation Surgery
• Financial & Social Resources for Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth 
• Guide to LGBTQ+ Adoption: LGBTQ+ Financial Guide to Becoming a Parent