BAKERSFIELD, Cali — So far this fall we have hit temperatures as low as the 30s in Bakersfield, and for those who don’t have a home, these conditions can be dangerous. That’s why another effort is underway to help those in need.
“It can be really hard on the human body to survive in that kind of environment,” Carlos Baldovinos, Executive Director for The Mission at Kern County, said.
There are more than 800 homeless individuals in Kern County who are un-sheltered, and with the coldest months just around the corner, those individuals may not be ready for that weather change.
That’s why multiple shelters are stepping up to help, including the M Street Navigation Center, which opened in May, are holding a warm for the winter drive, asking for donations during the months of November through January to help the homeless.
“We are fairly new opening, we don’t have a whole lot to just go and say 'hey here you go', so we really need the public’s assistance and coming out and supporting our individuals,” Laurie Hughey, Program Manager at the M Street Navigation Center, said.
Hughey with the Navigation center says they’re asking for jackets, blankets, hats, and gloves, anything to keep people warm.
“For us, we don’t need those kinds of things, that is just a basic thing but for those who don’t have it and are trying to stay warm, that’s huge,” Baldovinos said.
Carlos Baldovinos from the Mission at Kern County, told 23ABC that they are also accepting much needed clothing donations.
“For us as an organization, anyone that is around our radius, we want to keep inviting people in, especially now you get into the colder weather,” Baldovinos said.
“Our individuals are human, they feel all conditions of the weather," Hughey said. "Whether it is warm cold, we want everyone to know, that, please, whatever they have to give, to please just help.”
