Emergency housing options with CalFresh/CalWORKs in Kern County - need immediate help!

Yes, there are several emergency housing options in Kern County that work with CalWORKs recipients. First, contact your CalWORKs eligibility worker IMMEDIATELY and ask about the Homeless Assistance Program. You can qualify for temporary shelter payments while you look for permanent housing. You might also be eligible for move-in costs like security deposit and first month's rent through the Permanent Homeless Assistance program. The Housing Authority of Kern County also has emergency vouchers, but there's typically a waitlist. Don't wait - call your worker first thing tomorrow morning.

when this happened to me and my boy last year i went to the salvation army on 821 Brundage Ln they have emergency shelter sometimes. also try CityServe they sometimes help with deposit if u can find a place. the system is so broken tho they make it almost impossible to get real help when u need it.

You need to know exactly what to ask for! In Kern County, there are specific programs that can help you: 1. Homeless Assistance Program through CalWORKs - provides temporary AND permanent assistance 2. Housing Support Program (HSP) - helps CalWORKs families find and keep housing 3. Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) - if anyone in your family has disabilities Also, Kern County has the Bakersfield Homeless Center that works with families. They provide emergency shelter and help connecting to benefits. Call them at (661) 322-9199. The issue is getting through to your worker. Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM or try using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that helps you skip the phone queues and get a callback from a worker. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. My cousin used it when she couldn't reach her CalWORKs worker for two weeks.

OMG ur situation sounds EXACTLY like mine last yr!! i had 2 kids and we were staying w my cousin who kicked us out. the WORST part was trying to get thru to my worker!!! i literally cried in the kern county office 4 days in a row b4 someone helped me. they gave me hotel vouchers but only for like 7 days and then u have to PROVE ur looking for places which is hard af with no car and kids!!! im so sorry ur dealing with this the system is BROKEN!!!!

Just checking in - were you able to reach your worker or visit the office? The Kern County DPSS office opens at 8:00 AM and if you get there early (like 7:30), you'll usually be seen faster. Make sure to ask specifically for emergency homeless assistance for a family with children. This should prioritize your case. Also, bring a phone if possible so you can take pictures of any paperwork they give you - the documentation requirements can be overwhelming when you're already stressed.

dont forget to ask about the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program too they sometmes have additional help for families but u usually need a referal from calworks case worker

Please update us after your appointment tomorrow! Make sure to arrive early with ALL documentation: ID, birth certificates, social security cards for everyone, proof of income, your CalWORKs/CalFresh approval letters, and anything showing your current living situation. I've seen people get turned away for missing just one document. The Homeless Assistance Program can provide up to 16 days of temporary housing and up to $2,500 for move-in costs when you find permanent housing. Good luck!

One more thing to know about the Homeless Assistance Program in Kern County - they typically issue vouchers for specific motels/hotels they work with, not just any place. These aren't always in the best areas, but they're safe. Some of the common ones are the Motel 6 on Colony Street and Economy Inn on Union. They'll tell you which ones are available. The housing search requirement is real - they'll give you a form to track your search efforts that needs to be completed daily.

I'm so glad to see you got through to someone with Claimyr! That's amazing progress. Just wanted to add - when you go to your appointment tomorrow, ask if they have any childcare assistance or if there's a family-friendly waiting area. Bringing three young kids to a government office can be really stressful, but some offices have toys or designated areas. Also, if you have any medical documentation for yourself or the kids (like special needs, medications, etc.), bring that too as it can sometimes expedite services. You're doing everything right - hang in there!

I'm so happy to see you got help through Claimyr! That service really is a game-changer when the phone systems fail you. One more resource that might help - Kern County also has the Coordinated Entry System (CES) for homeless services. They can sometimes connect you to additional emergency funds or transitional housing programs that aren't part of the regular CalWORKs assistance. The number is (661) 868-1500. They work closely with local nonprofits and might have resources your CalWORKs worker doesn't know about. Best of luck with your appointment tomorrow - you're being such a strong advocate for your family!

Hey Ava, I just wanted to reach out as someone who's been in your shoes. Last spring I was facing eviction with my two kids and felt completely overwhelmed by the system. What really helped me was making a simple checklist before going into the office - it kept me focused when I was stressed and made sure I didn't forget to ask about anything important. For your appointment tomorrow, definitely ask about both the temporary assistance (hotel vouchers) AND the permanent assistance program at the same time. Sometimes they'll only tell you about one unless you specifically ask. Also, if they mention any waiting periods or delays, ask if there are emergency provisions for families with young children - there often are but you have to advocate for yourself. You're doing such a great job fighting for your family. The fact that you reached out here and got connected with help shows how resourceful and strong you are. Your kids are lucky to have you as their mom. Please keep us updated on how everything goes - we're all rooting for you!

I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because your situation really resonates with me. I went through something similar in Riverside County last year with my daughter. One thing that helped me was asking the CalWORKs worker about the "good cause" exceptions for the Homeless Assistance Program - if you can show that your housing loss wasn't your fault (which it sounds like it wasn't), they can sometimes waive certain waiting periods or requirements. Also, when you're doing your housing search documentation, don't forget to include applications to low-income housing complexes even if they have waiting lists - the workers like to see that you're thinking long-term too. I'm so glad you found help through Claimyr and got that appointment set up! The hardest part is getting someone to actually listen, and it sounds like you've cleared that hurdle. Your persistence in seeking help shows what a dedicated mom you are. Keeping you and your kids in my thoughts for tomorrow's appointment!

I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because I've been following your story and I'm so relieved you got connected with help! As someone who works with families in crisis, I just wanted to add a few quick tips for your appointment tomorrow. First, ask specifically about the CalWORKs Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) if any of your kids have any documented health issues - even something like asthma or developmental delays can qualify you for additional assistance. Second, when they give you the housing search documentation forms, ask if they have partnerships with any specific property management companies that regularly work with CalWORKs recipients - this can save you tons of rejection calls. Finally, don't forget to ask about utility assistance programs while you're there since you'll likely need help with deposits for electricity/gas when you find a place. The fact that you found this community and advocated so hard for your family shows what an amazing mom you are. Your kids are going to remember how you fought for them during this tough time. Sending you strength for tomorrow - you've got this!

I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because your situation really hits close to home - I went through something very similar in Orange County with my two kids last year. I'm so relieved to see you got connected with help through Claimyr! That service is honestly a lifesaver when the regular phone systems fail you. For your appointment tomorrow, I'd suggest bringing a notebook to write down everything they tell you - when you're stressed and dealing with three kids, it's easy to forget important details. Also, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat information or explain programs in simpler terms. I made the mistake of nodding along when I didn't understand something and almost missed out on additional assistance. One thing that really helped me was asking if they had any emergency food assistance or diaper/clothing programs while I was there. When you're focused on housing, it's easy to forget about these immediate needs, but many offices have connections to local resources that can help with basics while you're in transition. You're doing such an incredible job advocating for your family. The fact that you reached out here, used every resource available, and got that appointment scheduled shows what a strong, devoted mom you are. Your kids are going to be okay because they have you fighting for them. Please update us after your appointment - this community is rooting for you!