COVID-19

Update April 22, 2020

If one thing is evident during this challenging season, it is that none of us are immune to the storms and challenges of life. We can face any obstacle or challenge with hope knowing we are not in it alone. During this COVID-19 pandemic, The Mission at Kern County has continued to trust God daily as we follow CDC guidelines while encouraging and loving our guests.

Monday evening, we received news that one of our emergency shelter guests tested positive for COVID-19. We immediately took the individual to get medical attention. The hospital is releasing him and will transport him to the designated FEMA trailers located at The Kern County Fairgrounds.

We knew this was a possibility, and even a likelihood, as the virus became more and more widespread throughout our county and city. Thankfully, we have been implementing numerous practices and policies to keep our campus, our guests, and our staff as safe as possible, including frequent sterilization of all facilities, wearing of masks, new meal protocols, virtual support services, and much more.

With the new reality of a positive case on campus, we are implementing the next phase of protective policies that were developed as the virus began its spread in our state. Most of these relate to internal operations and limiting interactions of different groups of residents on campus.

One additional significant change is the requirement that all Men, Women and Children who are in our residential programs remain on property at all times in order to limit the possible impact to both our guests and staff and the surrounding neighborhoods. Our hope is this “self-quarantine” of our entire campus will allow us to limit the spread both within our campus community and in our neighborhood.

We are so appreciative of the many partners and supporters in the community who have stepped up to help us in this difficult season. We ask that you continue to pray with us that the impact of the virus on our campus would be minimal and that the hope of Christ would be evident even in the midst of this trial.

Update April 15, 2020

The impact that COVID-19 has had on all of our lives is very real and uncertain. One thing that is certain is that The Mission at Kern County will continue to provide services and we will keep pressing forward as we face new challenges each day. With the support of our community and the covering of prayer, we will be able to address the increasing demands on our services as new men, women and children walk through our gates looking for relief.

Some of greatest challenges we are facing are in our Homeless Intervention Services. This week, we discovered that a guest brought mercury into our day room, which will cost us up to $10,000 to bring a specialist to clean it up. It has also displaced our guests during the daytime hours. They are now set up in an area outside under shade. We are so thankful for the beautiful weather.

We are also still navigating how we will be moving forward with our 40-bed shelter expansion. Current circumstances are slowing the process, but we are still determined to add to our shelter, so we can continue to provide overnight services to even more individuals.

On a much brighter note, our community has been ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! Here are some of our community Heroes…

The Bakersfield Condors – is auctioning off a signed Keegan Lowe Jersey. For a donation of at least $20, you will be placed into a drawing on May 1st to be eligible to win.

Click here to learn more.

(PS Our hearts go out to the team and their families as they go through the loss of their fellow teammate Colby Cave)

Backyard and Home – is collecting Emergency Items for The Mission now through the end of April (see list). They are located at 5301 White Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Click here to learn more.

Salty’s BBQ – Raised $2,000 for The Mission by selling Family Easter Meals.

Sonder & Dignity Health – Through a $154,000 donation from Dignity Health, Sonder Restaurant has been preparing 2,500 meals a day and will continue for 2 weeks. They will be making a total of 35,000 meals. The Mission along with several other local services providing meals to the most vulnerable in Bakersfield is receiving these amazing meals for both Lunch and dinner. We are so incredible thankful to Sonder, Operation BBQ Relief, and Dignity Health.

Lee & Krystyna Jamieson $25,000 to GIVE BIG KERN – Lee & Krystina Jamieson have committed $25,000 in matching funds to The Mission’s Lee & Krystyna Jamieson Recovery Home for Women with Children. This matching gift will be honored through May 5th. Click here to learn more.

Another way for the community to help the Mission financially throughout this crisis is at our 3rd Annual Drive Thru & Dine, May 5th from 11am – 1pm. Drive thru the Mission campus and have your Cinco de Mayo lunch delivered directly to your car. It’s the third annual Drive Thru & Dine Fundraiser. Featuring a delicious fajita meal provided by Chef Lino’s Grill.

This is a Leadership Bakersfield, Team 1 project. Their goal is to continue to beautify and provide supplies for the kitchen located at The Curt Kennedy Center of The Mission at Kern County. All proceeds will be used to continue to supply the kitchen with much needed supplies and equipment to continue on their Mission to serve those in need.
Ticket price is $15 or 2 for $20. Click here to purchase tickets.

April 6, 2020 COVID-19 Record Unemployment Rate Reflected in Rise in Demand for The Mission at Kern County Services

Continued announcements that US unemployment rates are at a record high—with no immediate end in sight—raise urgent concerns for our staff at The Mission at Kern County, who have monitored the organization’s growing assistance numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Because of the considerable increase in individuals urgently needing food and shelter, we know more men, women and families are struggling. In circumstances like the COVID-19 crisis, that generally happens due to employment losses.

As hotels, restaurants and other businesses close due to the rapidly changing health recommendations issued by the government, The Mission expects the number of people coming for assistance to dramatically increase throughout the coming months. People who are already living paycheck to paycheck face challenges paying rent, utility and car payments and have less access to groceries and hygiene items.

Not only are more people unable to meet their own needs, but many of our own faithful donors are now struggling financially to care for their own families. Yet, we are comforted by the goodness of the people of Bakersfield and all of Kern County who are always ready to open their hearts to their fellow citizens in need. We pray and ask that those who can help will help, and those who need the Mission’s assistance won’t hesitate to let us know.

The Mission at Kern County is in urgent need of cash donations and humbly ask for gifts to be made by clicking the DONATE link above. In-kind donations can be brought to 821 E. 21st Street between the hours of 9-4 Monday through Friday.

March 30, 2020

With so many people (many with compromised immune systems and respiratory issues) living in one space, we are anxious to keep the virus out of our shelters if possible. Staff and guests are practicing social distancing and minimizing group gatherings. As a result, many activities, classes, chapel services and mealtimes have been adjusted accordingly. No guests have tested positive for the virus at this time, but should that happen in the future, quarantine accommodations have been arranged.

Capacity levels have been reduced to meet social distancing expectations, but no one has been turned away at this time.

We cannot accept new residents in our Recovery Programs at this time.

As of March 20th, our shelter closed to outside visitors. Individuals may continue to check in to stay at the shelter, and we will continue to serve meals to our community.

In order to protect our guests and the faithful volunteers who serve, we are asking all volunteers to stay home through the end of April. We will re-evaluate at that time. All volunteer orientations are canceled until further notice.

March 24, 2020

While many people all over the world have retreated into their homes to protect themselves and their loved ones, individuals experiencing homelessness remain in danger of contracting and spreading COVID-19. According to the most recent reported Point-In-Time homeless count (2019) there were 1,330 unduplicated homeless people counted 56% of those counted were unsheltered in Kern County.

For those who accept services, and will stay in a shelter we can monitor the potential spread of the Coronavirus by:

 Bringing healthcare professionals on campus to assess the individuals in our care
 Keeping our current facilities with-in the guidelines of safe shelter numbers
 Hand washing stations are placed throughout the campus. Handwashing is strongly encouraged throughout the day.
 Physical distancing is promoted both indoors and outdoors
 Meals are staggered and meal times are lengthened to minimize the gathering of groups over 10

Currently Governor Newsom is working on a plan to convert hotels to be a “shelter-in place” for the unsheltered homeless community. “After a week filled with private negotiations and public pronouncements, the state appears little closer to those answers. And while one of the most obvious potential solutions—commandeering nearly empty hotels to use as temporary housing—remains maddeningly elusive, the state’s estimated 150,000 homeless continue to be at high risk for both contracting and spreading the disease.” (Capital & Main)

The Mission at Kern County will continue to serve both the homeless and hurting population, while striving to maintain the highest quality of cleanliness and care.

We ask for your prayers and support as we navigate through the ever-changing policies, procedures and panic attached with this global issue.

March 20th, 2020

Last night Governor Newsom placed the entire state of California under a “shelter in place” order. Many of you may have questions about how this will affect the services provided by The Mission at Kern County. The past few weeks have been uncertain and difficult, and we hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by COVID-19, victims as well as all their family and friends.

We continue to closely monitor expert guidance, including from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We have implemented measures to help prevent the spread of the virus, including asking employees to stay home and implementing social distancing best practices.

1. The Mission at Kern County provides Essential Shelter Services, Meals and Programs. These will remain open.

2. The following non-essential services and meetings will close until further notice:
   a. Encore Boutique – Closed until further notice
   b Ladies Guild Meetings – Cancelled until further notice
   c. Volunteering – No volunteers until further notice
   d. Public Chapel Services – Cancelled for at least 2 weeks

In lieu of bringing in-kind donations to the Mission and Encore locations at this time, we ask that you consider giving monetarily. We care about your health and safety, yet we expect our services to exponentially increase over the next 8 weeks.

We are so grateful for your support and prayers. We will continue to update you as new events and news unfolds.

March 19th, 2020

We greatly appreciate the concern members of the community have expressed for the guests residing at The Mission at Kern County. As a ministry that offers shelter services, it has been our long term practice to provide the highest standards of care in line with state and CDC standards.

The health and safety of our clients, employees, and volunteers is our priority as we continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

Our facilities remain open to provide services and programs to those in need. We will also continue to keep our clients, community partners and volunteers informed.

Our staff is dedicated to this issue and will continue to take all actions necessary to educate and protect members of our community as developments unfold.

We value our relationship with you. We firmly believe that through planning and perseverance, we can navigate these tumultuous times together.

March 17th, 2020

Dear friends,

As millions of people across the globe self-isolate, know that the staff at The Mission at Kern County is praying for you. We pray that you and your families are healthy and safe, we pray for wisdom for world leaders and we pray for the strength to continue to care for the most vulnerable in our community.

The Mission at Kern County is closely monitoring the developments of the coronavirus and are following the WHO (World Health Organization), local agencies and CDC’s (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines for our campuses. As of today, there are no known cases of the COVID-19 at The Mission at Kern County.

Due to recent recommendations to limit gatherings to less than 50 people for the next 8 weeks, we have postponed and/or cancelled the following events:

Friday Morning Chapel – Will resume May 1st

April Graduation – Postponed to May 8th

Raise Bakersfield Kick-off for pastors and volunteers– Postponed. Later Date TBD

Easter Community Meal – CANCELLED

Mission Possible 5K – Postponed to June 6th

Top Sirloin BBQ – Postponed. Later Date TBD

We’ve also updated our hours for the following locations:

Administrative Office – Closed to visitors until further notice. For information or assistance, call (661) 325-0863.

Development Office – Closed to visitors until further notice.

Distribution/Donation Hours – Hours of operation will continue to be 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. All residential donation pick-ups and deliveries are suspended immediately until further notice.

Encore Boutique – Continues to be open for business and will continue to accept donations.

Items can be dropped off at our Donation Center located at 821 E. 21st St. If someone is not available to assist you, please drop off items in the provided bins.

Thank you so very much for your continued prayers and support.