BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Casa Esperanza was recently denied a conditional use permit by the Bakersfield City Council for the proposed site of a transitional home for homeless women and children. So now they are looking for a new location to call home.

The project was originally approved back in November 2020 by the City Planning Commission board. The non-profit sought a conditional permit to allow six families and 24/7 staff resident on-site at 1421 Panorama Drive.

During the City Council meeting on Jan. 20, the board voted 6-0 to halt the project after neighbors filed an appeal. Councilman Andrae Gonzales abstained because of a conflict of interest.

Casa Esperanza board member Lisa Elzy Watson spoke with 23ABC Morning News about the situation.