BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Kaiser Permanente has awarded a $100,000 grant to Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative, aimed at supporting the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 for people experiencing homelessness in Kern County.

The money will aid people who access homeless shelters and have an increased risk of developing and transmitting infectious diseases because of challenges to their overall living conditions.

“We know the importance of improving and maintaining one’s health, however, without a secure and stable place to live, it’s nearly impossible. COVID -19 has placed housing and health together again in the spotlight, even without COVID, individuals experiencing homelessness are two to three times more likely to die than someone with a safe, secure and stable home,” said David Womack, senior vice president of Kaiser Permanente Kern County.

When people are housed first basic needs are met faster, helping them live independently and minimizes the costs to communities.