Bakersfield is receiving millions of dollars to help address homelessness through a number of services and programs.
The city announced Thursday that it has received a $1.9 million grant from the state.
The big picture: Bakersfield will use the grant funding to address homelessness through mental health services, substance-use disorder treatment and diversion programs.
- The grant was specifically awarded to Bakersfield’s Community Vitality Unit. It will support intensive case management for treatment and supportive services for some of the city’s most vulnerable homeless.
- Funding will also address the parole-to-homelessness pipeline, strengthen support services and increase transitions to permanent supportive housing.
What they’re saying: “This funding will help us fill two gaps in our current system,” said Bakersfield Police Department’s Lt. Nicole Anderberg, head of the Community Vitality Unit. “It will provide real, targeted case management services needed to help our chronically homeless population, including those with substance use and/or behavioral health issues. And second, it will provide re-entry services for parolees in Kern County.”
