Bakersfield
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Local offices in Bakersfield
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · City office
Economic & Community Development Department
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 300, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Help here
- Home accessibility grantsEligible residents with mobility disabilities can seek grants for home changes that improve access.Apply onlineRead more
- Home repair and weatherizationEligible households can seek help with home repairs and energy-saving upgrades.Apply onlineRead more
- Homeless services informationFind city information and local resources for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bakersfieldcity.us
Utilities · City office
Water Department
1000 Buena Vista Road, Bakersfield, CA 93311
Help here
- Water and wastewater informationCity water customers can get information about water service, rates, conservation, and wastewater.
- Water conservation rebatesResidents can check available water conservation rebates and kits through the city.
- Utility account paymentsResidents can view city utility account information and pay eligible city bills online.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bakersfieldcity.us
Local office · City office
Public Works Department
Help here
- Garbage and recyclingResidents can find garbage and recycling information and contact the city about collection service.
- Street and neighborhood issuesResidents can report issues such as potholes, street lights, traffic signals, graffiti, or illegal dumping.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bakersfieldcity.us
State office
California Civil Rights Department, Bakersfield Office
4800 Stockdale Highway, Suite 215, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Help here
- Civil rights and discrimination complaintsResidents can contact the state office about discrimination and civil rights complaints.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on calcivilrights.ca.gov
Local office · City office
City Clerk's Office
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Help here
- City records and public meetingsResidents can request city records and find information about City Council meetings and agendas.
- Local electionsResidents can find information about city elections and the City Clerk's election services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bakersfieldcity.us
Emergency help · City office
Bakersfield Fire Department
2101 H Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Help here
- Fire and emergency servicesThe department responds to fire and medical emergencies and provides public fire safety information.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bakersfieldcity.us
Local office · City office
Bakersfield Animal Care Center
201 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307
Help here
- Lost and stray animalsResidents can get help with stray animals, animal complaints, and pets brought to the city shelter.
- Pet adoption and licensingResidents can find adoptable pets and information about city dog licenses and low-cost clinics.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bakersfieldcity.us
Local office · City office
HELP Team
1600 Truxtun Ave, 5th Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Help here
- City customer serviceContact the HELP Team with city questions or to get help resolving a service concern.
- Report a city service issueReport issues such as potholes, graffiti, illegal dumping, or problems in parks through the city service request system.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bakersfieldcity.us
Local office · City office
Code Enforcement
Help here
- Neighborhood code complaintsResidents can report property issues such as overgrown weeds, trash, or abandoned furniture.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bakersfieldcity.us
Local office · City office
Bakersfield Police Department
1601 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Help here
- Non-emergency police helpContact the department for non-emergency police help or to find public police services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bakersfieldcity.us
Jobs and training · County office
America's Job Center of Kern
1600 E. Belle Terrace, Bakersfield, CA 93307
Help here
- Job search and trainingGet help finding a job, building job skills, and accessing training.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on americasjobcenterofkern.com
State office
California DMV, Bakersfield Field Office
3120 F Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Help here
- Driver licenses and identificationResidents can apply for or renew a driver license or identification card and take required tests.Apply online
- Vehicle registration and recordsResidents can handle vehicle registration, title transfers, plates, and some vehicle record requests.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on dmv.ca.gov
Library · County office
Kern County Library
701 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Help here
- Library servicesGet a library card and use books, online resources, and library programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on kerncountylibrary.org
Parks and recreation · City office
Recreation & Parks Department
Help here
- Recreation programs and activitiesResidents can find city programs, sports, aquatics, and activities for different ages.Apply online
- Parks and facilitiesResidents can find city parks, facilities, and reservation information.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bakersfieldcity.us
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of Bakersfield first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Food pantry
First Congregational Church of Bakersfield, CA Food Pantry
First Congregational Church of Bakersfield, CA
0.3 miles from the center of Bakersfield5 Real Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Hours
- Wed8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. While supplies last
Who can come: Anyone in need
Listed on fccbakersfield-ucc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Neighborhood Café
First Congregational Church of Bakersfield, CA
0.3 miles from the center of Bakersfield5 Real Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Hours
- Thu6 PM to 7 PM (3rd of the month). First come, first served
Who can come: Everyone
What to bring: No sign-up or ID needed.
Listed on fccbakersfield-ucc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno
1.3 miles from the center of Bakersfield825 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Hours
- Mon8:30 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 3:45 PM
- Tue8:30 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 3:45 PM
- Wed8:30 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 3:45 PM
- Thu8:30 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 3:45 PM
- Fri8:30 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 3:45 PM
What to bring: Bring identification, proof of address, and proof of income. Documents must be dated within the last 30 days.
Listed on ccdof.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Community Food Pantry
Grace Church Bakersfield
1.6 miles from the center of Bakersfield2800 Larson Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93304
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
Open after service, approximately 11:45 AM on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
Who can come: Church family and neighbors in need
Listed on gracebakersfield.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Weekly Food Pantry
Stay Focused Ministries
1.6 miles from the center of Bakersfield1225 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93304
Hours
- Mon9 AM to 11 AM
- Wed1 PM to 3 PM
- Fri: times not listed, call first
Listed on stayfocused.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
The Salvation Army Bakersfield Corps Community Center Food Pantry
The Salvation Army Bakersfield Corps Community Center
1.7 miles from the center of Bakersfield4417 Wilson Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Hours
- Mon1 PM to 4 PM
- Tue1 PM to 4 PM
- Wed1 PM to 4 PM
- Thu1 PM to 4 PM
What to bring: For a first visit, bring a driver's license and proof of address. If other people live with you, bring a document with their names and birth dates.
Listed on salvationarmyusa.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Bakersfield
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Central California Food Bank
4010 E. Amendola Ave., Fresno, CA 93725
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Nonprofit
Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Community Action Partnership of Kern
1300 18th St., Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Listed on csd.ca.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Job help near Bakersfield
American Job Centers are free. They help you look for work, write a resume, find training and apply for unemployment benefits. You can ask for an interpreter.
American Job Center · Affiliate center
EPIC - Envision-Plan-Innovate-Connect
Also helps young people
2 miles away
2211 H Street, Youth Services Only, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Updated by CareerOneStop on June 4, 2026
American Job Center
America`s Job Center of California-Bakersfield
Also helps people leaving jail or prison
3 miles away
1600 East Belle Terrace, County of Kern Community Service Center, Bakersfield, CA 93307
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am-5 pm,
Updated by CareerOneStop on April 20, 2026
American Job Center · Affiliate center
American Job Center of California -Oildale
4.1 miles away
1129 Olive Drive, The Business Center Suite C, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm
Updated by CareerOneStop on June 4, 2026
Youth and reentry program
PathPoint - Kern County - Bakersfield
For young people
1 mile away
4701 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Youth program
Mojave River Academy - Bakersfield
1.6 miles away
1601 New Stine Rd., #150, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Youth program
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
1.9 miles away
1300 17th St., 5th floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Unemployment benefits in California
If you lost your job or your hours were cut, you may be able to get unemployment insurance. You apply with the state, and the state decides who qualifies.
Workforce board for this area
The workforce board plans the job and training programs here and funds the job centers. Go to a job center for help; call the board with questions about its programs.
Workforce board
Kern/Inyo/Mono Workforce Development Board
1600 East Belle Terrace, Bakersfield, CA 93307
Workforce board
California Workforce Development Board
1416 9th Street, Floor 14, Sacramento, CA 95814
Job center and program listings from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Checked on October 10, 2026.
Offices for all of Kern County
Bakersfield is in Kern County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Kern County Department of Human Services
100 E. California Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93307
Help here
- Public assistance benefitsApply for cash, food, and medical benefits through the county.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on kcdhs.org
Child support · County office
Kern County Child Support Services
3701 N. Sillect Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308
Help here
- Child support servicesGet help with child support services and payments.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on kerncounty.com
Housing help · County office
Housing Authority of the County of Kern
Help here
- Housing assistanceLearn about housing programs and how to apply for rental assistance.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on kernha.org
Public health · County office
Kern County Public Health Services
1800 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93306
Help here
- Public health servicesGet information about county health services and clinic schedules.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on kernpublichealth.com
Mental health and recovery · County office
Kern County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
2021 28th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Help here
- Behavioral health servicesContact the county for behavioral health and recovery services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on kernbhrs.org
Courts and legal help · County office
Kern County Superior Court Self-Help Center
1215 Truxtun Ave., 1st floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Help here
- Court self-helpGet help preparing forms for family law, guardianship, and small claims matters.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on kern.courts.ca.gov
California programs by kind of help
These are run by California and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- 211 Kern County
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988