YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR NEXT STEP.
Life brings challenges. Finding help shouldn’t.
Find food assistance, medical rides, affordable care,
and more local support across Kern County.
Featured: ··
A LITTLE SUPPORT FOR THE NEXT STEP
Looking for yourself or someone you care about? You don’t need the right words or a complete plan. Start with one need, save a few options, and reach out when you’re ready.
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WHEN YOU’RE READY TO REACH OUT
“Hi, I’m looking for help with [what you need]. I live in [your community]. Can you tell me how to get started?”
You can ask about requirements before sharing personal information.
A CLEARER FIRST STEP
Three local guides to help you choose a starting point in Kern County.
Find food pantries, groceries, meal programs, CalFresh, and WIC. Learn where to start and what to ask.
Explore the guideCompare eligible health-plan rides and local transportation programs. Check coverage and book ahead.
Explore the guideExplore clinics, income-based discounts, and coverage assistance. Ask about costs before your visit.
Explore the guideA PLACE TO BEGIN
Choose a need.
Find an organization that can help.
LOCAL PEOPLE. PRACTICAL SUPPORT.
Explore organizations and programs, then reach out directly.
Look for free programs, income-based discounts, or insurance assistance. Before booking, ask what your visit will cost, whether tests or medicines cost extra, and which documents to bring.
For medical appointments, start with your health plan’s ride benefit. Each free option has membership, age, location, or trip requirements. Reserve early and ask about wheelchair access or bringing a caregiver.
Food, clothing & essentials
Provides food, clothing, and everyday essentials for neighbors in need, with rural outreach to underserved communities. Call to ask about current services and what to bring.
825 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Affordable housing applications
Affordable rental housing for eligible Kern County households. Apply through the official applicant portal and check each program's waiting-list status. As checked October 13, 2026, public-housing applications are open; the Section 8 waiting list is closed.
Kern County; eligibility depends on housing program
Jobs & career support
Connect directly with the local job center for job-search assistance and information about training opportunities. Its services are offered at no charge.
Civil legal assistance
Free civil legal services for eligible low-income and older Kern County residents. Call to discuss your issue, eligibility, and whether the organization can take your case.
Peer & family support
Free peer-led support groups for people living with mental health conditions, plus family and caregiver groups. Call the local program contact for current meeting details and registration. Groups offer confidential peer support and education; facilitators are trained peers rather than clinical providers.
Cost & accessPeer and family support groups are free.
Kern County; online groups available
Free Medicare counseling
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling on coverage, prescription plans, billing problems and appeals. Serves people with Medicare, people approaching eligibility and their representatives, including younger adults eligible through disability. Call Aging and Adult Services and ask for HICAP; counselors do not sell insurance.
Cost & accessFree Medicare counseling; counselors do not sell insurance.
Kern County Medicare beneficiaries & families
Free rides · eligibility applies
Free rides for Anthem Medi-Cal members
Anthem Medi-Cal members can receive rides to covered healthcare appointments. Request transportation through your doctor, then call reservations with your member ID and appointment details. Book at least five business days ahead, or seven for a new rider. Wheelchair and litter-van trips are available when medically needed; your doctor requests the appropriate service. Call promptly for an urgent appointment.
Cost & accessNo cost for eligible Anthem Medi-Cal members' covered rides; medical need and approval requirements apply.
Kern County Anthem Medi-Cal members; covered healthcare trips
Free rides · eligibility applies
Free local buses & accessible rides
Local buses and wheelchair-accessible door-to-door Dial-A-Ride in Delano and nearby unincorporated areas. Dial-A-Ride requires an application; eligible riders include adults 61+, Medicare cardholders and qualifying people with disabilities. For ADA priority, book by 4:30 p.m. the day before, or up to seven days ahead. Call dispatch to confirm eligibility, your pickup area and appointment timing.
Cost & accessThe city currently lists all DART services as free until further notice. Confirm the fare-free program with dispatch when booking.
Delano and surrounding service area; call to check your address
Free rides · eligibility applies
Free rides for Kaiser Medi-Cal members
Kaiser Medi-Cal members without another transportation option can request rides to covered appointments and to collect prescriptions or medical supplies. Call at least three business days ahead with your member ID and trip details. If a disability or medical condition requires a wheelchair van or driver assistance, ask your provider to prescribe and obtain approval for medical transportation.
Cost & accessFree when Kaiser arranges eligible Medi-Cal rides. Advance approval applies to certain trips and specialized transportation.
Kern County Kaiser Medi-Cal members; service-area rules apply
Free rides · eligibility applies
Free pediatric cancer treatment shuttles
Free shuttles and gas-card assistance help eligible families reach pediatric cancer treatment outside Kern County. Patients must be newborn through age 21, have lived in Kern County for at least six months, demonstrate financial need and be referred by their treating facility's social worker. Call the transportation department early to discuss your application, appointment and available arrangements.
Cost & accessFree shuttles and gas-card assistance for eligible pediatric cancer families; application and referral required.
Eligible Kern County families traveling for pediatric cancer care
Free rides · eligibility applies
Free rides for KFHC Medi-Cal members
KFHC Medi-Cal members who have no other ride can request transportation to covered medical appointments. Call and choose option 3 at least 48 hours ahead, counting weekdays; call as soon as possible for urgent appointments. Wheelchair or litter-van transportation requires a healthcare provider's prescription and a Physician Certification Statement on file. Ask about bringing a caregiver.
Cost & accessFree for eligible KFHC Medi-Cal members when arranged by the plan; membership and ride requirements apply.
Kern County KFHC Medi-Cal members; covered appointments
Free rides · eligibility applies
Senior activities & meals
Activities, social connection and a county lunch program for adults 60+. Membership is not required. Free Dial-a-Ride transportation to the center requires a reservation with transit at 760-499-5040; book up to seven days ahead because slots are limited. The main phone below reaches the activities coordinator; the official page lists a separate meal-reservation number.
Cost & accessDial-a-Ride trips to the Senior Center are free for eligible center participants. Reserve in advance; availability is limited.
Ridgecrest, eastern Kern County
Free rides · eligibility applies
Free shuttles to VA appointments
Veterans with scheduled VA appointments can reserve a free shuttle serving Bakersfield, Lebec, Sepulveda and West Los Angeles. This is a scheduled route, not a home pickup service. Use VA's ride-request guide to contact the Greater Los Angeles transportation team. Confirm your reservation, pickup point, appointment timing and any accessibility needs before traveling.
Cost & accessFree for eligible veterans with a VA appointment and a confirmed transportation reservation.
Bakersfield / Lebec shuttle route to Sepulveda and West Los Angeles VA
Fuel assistance · apply first
Gas-card help for healthcare trips
Transportation assistance for uninsured or underinsured Kern County adults age 50+ managing ongoing health conditions. Apply online for gas cards to help reach medical visits and treatments. The program excludes cancer-related conditions, accepts applications once per calendar year and may take up to 90 days to review a request. This provides fuel assistance rather than a driver or scheduled ride.
Cost & access$150 gas cards are offered subject to eligibility, committee approval and available funds; assistance is not guaranteed.
Kern County residents age 50+
Included with eligible enrollment
Medical rides within enrolled senior care
Home pickup to the PACE center and transportation to arranged specialist appointments are included for enrolled members. Applicants must be 55+, live in the service area, meet nursing-home-level care criteria and be able to live safely at home with support. Call intake to discuss enrollment; PACE coordinates your healthcare through its own team, so this is not a standalone ride service.
Cost & accessNo additional cost for eligible Medicare/Medi-Cal members. Medi-Cal share-of-cost obligations or monthly premiums may apply; confirm your total enrollment cost with intake.
Bakersfield PACE service area in Kern and Tulare counties; confirm your address
Youth job training & work experience
Job training and work experience support for in-school youth ages 16–18 and out-of-school young adults ages 18–24. Contact the team about eligibility and current enrollment. Training is offered at no charge.
Bakersfield-based youth employment programs
Senior meals & connection
Community activities, exercise, games, nutrition education and senior meals. Meals for adults 60 and older accept voluntary donations; inability to donate does not prevent participation. Call the office to confirm the current location, activities and meal arrangements before visiting.
Bakersfield
Food benefits
Contact the county about CalFresh food benefits, applications, and an existing benefits case.
Disability employment services
Employment support for people whose disability creates barriers to getting or keeping a job. Services can include career guidance, training, interview preparation, and assistive technology. Apply through the Bakersfield office. As of October 2026, DOR says new eligible applicants are placed on a waiting list.
California residents; local office in Bakersfield
Civil legal assistance
Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income residents of rural communities. Areas include housing, wages and workplace rights, education, and benefits. Contact the Delano office to discuss your issue and eligibility; call before visiting, since in-person service hours are limited.
Delano and rural Kern communities; ask about your location and case
Utility bills
Explore assistance with electricity, gas, or propane bills, and home energy improvements. Check the program's eligibility and application steps.
Parents & young children
Learn about food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for eligible families, including children under five.
Medical, dental & behavioral healthcare
Primary care, dental care and behavioral health services at community clinics, including rural Kern locations. Uninsured and underinsured patients can apply for discounts based on income and household size. Call to find the right clinic, request an appointment and ask about sliding-fee enrollment and the cost of your visit. Services vary by location.
Cost & accessIncome-based discounts for eligible patients; ask about your visit cost.
Bakersfield and rural Kern County; choose a clinic by service
Child care search & payment assistance
Find licensed child care and apply for help paying for care. Payment assistance serves eligible low-income Kern County families with children 12 or younger and a qualifying need, such as work, school, or job search. Applications are assessed for eligibility.
Kern County
Low-cost community counseling
Individual, couple and family counseling for Bakersfield community members, including parenting concerns, stress and life changes. Advanced graduate students provide care under licensed supervision; sessions are recorded for training. Leave a voicemail to request an appointment during the academic year. Current CSUB students use the separate student counseling center. This clinic does not offer crisis or substance-use treatment.
Cost & access$25 first session; $15 follow-up. Confirm when booking; hardship arrangements available.
Bakersfield community; appointments during the academic year
Family resources
Contact the family resource center in Mojave to ask about available services and local support for your family.
Homeless outreach & housing support
Street outreach, housing navigation, and ongoing case management for people experiencing homelessness in Kern County. Staff help with housing plans, documents, applications, and connections to shelter. Call the front desk to request shelter assistance and discuss next steps.
Kern County; Bakersfield office
Food assistance
A local nonprofit helping reduce hunger in Kern County. Call to ask how to receive food and whether a referral is needed.
Employment & skills development
Employment and skills development for people facing barriers to work, including disabilities or limited work experience. Its employment program builds skills through paid work. Contact the Bakersfield team about available opportunities, eligibility, and referral requirements.
Kern, Kings, and southern Tulare counties
Family disability support
Parent-to-parent support for families of children ages 3–22 with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Offers resource guidance, support groups, and free special-education IEP trainings and clinics. English- and Spanish-speaking families throughout Kern County can contact the team for current programs and participation details.
Kern County, including Delano and eastern Kern contacts
Counseling for children, adults & families
Outpatient counseling for Kern County children, adults and families, with individual, family and group therapy, case management and psychiatric services. Programs include support for emotional or behavioral challenges and free parent support groups. Call the referral team to discuss the appropriate program, location, eligibility and discounted fees; offices serve Bakersfield and the Delano/McFarland area.
Cost & accessSliding fees based on family size and income; inability to pay does not bar services.
Kern County; Bakersfield and Delano/McFarland offices
Disability & independent living
Support for people with disabilities pursuing independent living goals. Contact the center about independent living skills, peer support, and help finding appropriate resources.
Older adults & caregivers
Contact the county’s senior information team for help finding services for older adults and people with disabilities. Ask about options for your situation and community.
Free dental care for children ages 0–5
Provides free dental screenings, fluoride treatments, and oral-health education for Kern County children from birth through age 5. Children with decay or infection can be referred to contracted pediatric dentists for treatment at no cost. Services are offered through school visits and office screenings. Call the program to schedule a screening or ask how your child can participate.
Cost & accessNo cost for Kern County children from birth through age 5. Call to arrange a screening.
Kern County; children from birth through age 5
Free or low-cost health coverage
Apply for Medi-Cal health insurance, which can provide medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible residents. Coverage may be free or involve a share of cost, depending on eligibility. Apply through BenefitsCal, call the county's application line, or visit a local Human Services office. Staff determine eligibility and explain documents needed for your situation.
Cost & accessFree or low-cost coverage for eligible applicants; some people have a share of cost. County staff determine eligibility.
Kern County; local offices across the county
Legal research & forms
Public access to legal research, self-help books, computers, blank forms, and general procedural information. Staff can help you locate materials and spot incomplete forms but cannot give legal advice or prepare your paperwork. Library services are free; printing and copying have per-page charges.
Bakersfield; online self-help materials also available
Internet & community learning
Free Wi-Fi, public computers and community programs at branches throughout Kern County, including rural communities. Internet access can help with applications and staying connected. Check your branch for hours and computer access requirements; printing and copying carry fees, and available programs vary by location.
Branches throughout Kern County
Low-cost preventive & sexual health care
Offers vaccines, STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, and family planning. Some services have fees; lower-cost or sliding-scale care may be available based on income. Medi-Cal and many insurance plans are accepted. Call to ask about your service, cost, and coverage, and to schedule an appointment; walk-ins depend on availability.
Cost & accessFees vary; income-based discounts may be available. Ask about your service and insurance when booking.
Kern County; clinic in Bakersfield
Veterans & family benefits
Assists local veterans and their dependents with benefit claims, disability compensation, military records and eligible family benefits. Staff can help identify available programs and prepare claims. Benefits depend on individual service and eligibility; contact the Bakersfield office to arrange an appointment.
Kern County; office in Bakersfield
Literacy, English & GED support
Free tutoring for reading, writing, math, English, GED preparation, and career skills. Services are available through local partner sites and online. Tutor matching may involve a wait; call to discuss your learning goals and availability.
Kern County partner sites and online
Low-cost care for eligible uninsured adults
Low-cost clinic care, selected specialty services, generic medicines and labs for qualifying low-income, uninsured Kern County residents ages 19–64 who are ineligible for other health plans. Call Health Benefits, option 3, to apply. Costs depend on program level. This limited program works at designated Kern Medical facilities; it is not insurance and excludes mental health, inpatient care and surgery.
Cost & accessLittle or no cost for eligible adults; your share of cost varies by program.
Eligible Kern County residents; designated Kern Medical facilities
Developmental disability support
Assessment and coordination of community services for people with qualifying developmental disabilities, plus Early Start for eligible infants and toddlers with developmental delays or risk conditions. Kern County residents can contact the Assessment Unit to begin intake; eligibility depends on age, disability, and an individual assessment.
Kern, Inyo and Mono counties
Court forms & procedures
Free court resources for people handling a case without an attorney. Staff can explain procedures and forms for matters such as guardianship, small claims, and family cases. Call to confirm the right service and schedule an appointment; the center does not represent you in court.
Kern County court users; center in Bakersfield
Mental health assessment & treatment access
Medi-Cal members and uninsured adults can start here for a mental health assessment and connection to county treatment providers. Services may include therapy, medication support and case management, depending on assessed needs. Call to arrange routine screening and confirm the appropriate location; assessment options include multiple Bakersfield sites and providers in outlying communities.
Cost & accessDiscounts based on income and family size; services available regardless of ability to pay.
Kern County; adult screening and assessment
Parenting & family support
Family support for Lamont and Weedpatch, including parenting education, one-on-one case management, family advocacy, and help accessing public programs. School-readiness and family learning programs support children's education. Call the center to discuss your family's needs and program enrollment.
Lamont and Weedpatch
Community clinics & income-based discounts
Medical, dental and behavioral healthcare at Kern County community clinics. Insurance is not required. Sliding-fee discounts depend on household size and income and are available to eligible households at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. Call for an appointment and confirm your fee, required income documents and any additional service charges.
Cost & accessIncome-based discounts; additional service charges may apply.
Multiple Kern County clinics; services differ by location
Meals & everyday essentials
The Bakersfield center offers hot meals, clothing, hygiene kits, showers, and mail services for people without a permanent address. Call to confirm current availability.
LGBTQ+ community support
A Kern County nonprofit serving the LGBTQ+ community through community programming, mental health services, and social connection. Check its calendar for current open hours.
Meals, shelter & clothing
A faith-based nonprofit in Bakersfield offering community meals, men’s shelter, clothing, and recovery programs. Call to ask about intake and the program that fits your needs.
Shelter & housing support
Shelter and housing support for Kern County women, children, and families facing homelessness or abuse. Services include housing navigation, case management, and employment support. Call its general office to ask about the appropriate intake process and current availability.
Kern County; general office in Bakersfield
Low-cost fares
Low-cost ADA paratransit
Shared, curb-to-curb transportation in the Bakersfield metropolitan area for riders whose disability prevents them from using regular bus service. ADA eligibility approval is required; age alone does not qualify someone. Contact GET about the application, pickup area, and advance booking for appointments. Eligible riders can also request trips through the GET-A-LIFT app.
Cost & accessGET publishes a $3 one-way fare. This is a paid service for approved paratransit riders; confirm the current fare and reservation requirements before planning your trip.
Bakersfield metropolitan GET-A-LIFT service area; ADA approval required
Low-cost fares
Low-cost accessible local rides
Wheelchair-accessible, curb-to-curb rides within designated rural communities, including Frazier Park, Lamont, Kern River Valley, Mojave, Rosamond, and Tehachapi. Open to all riders; a disability is not required. Call ahead to reserve and confirm your local service boundary and booking window. Same-day trips depend on availability. Travel between communities uses separate fixed routes.
Cost & access$2 per local trip, or $1 for eligible reduced-fare riders. Seniors 62+ and qualifying people with disabilities can apply for a free Reduced Fare Card; the card does not make rides free. A required personal care attendant rides free; other companions pay the normal fare.
Designated rural Kern County service areas; local trips only
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Get help finding a starting pointServices, funding, and eligibility can change. Inclusion here does not guarantee assistance. Ask each provider about availability and any costs.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT ALONE
Kern County 211 offers confidential resource referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn about 211NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Kern County Help brings useful contacts into one place so you can spend less time searching and more time taking the next step.
We’re an independent community resource hub. We don’t provide services or process applications. You connect directly with the organizations listed here.
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