In 1951, Reverend Alonzo Heath and a small group of Bakersfield men felt the necessity to organize a Rescue Mission. Their goal was to provide food, clothing, shelter, and an opportunity for rehabilitation through Christian counseling, conversation, and influence for the men and women who were wandering the streets of Bakersfield in great numbers.   The mission was incorporated as a non-denominational religious serviced institution in October 1952, qualifying as a non-profit organization.

   From very small beginnings in a renovated storefront building on 20th Street in downtown Bakersfield, California, the ever growing demand for the Mission’s services brought a move to larger facilities in East Bakersfield at 725 East 21st Street.   In 1970, the Mission built its own headquarters building on Sumner Street at the Beale Avenue Overpass.   To meet changing social conditions, a Women and Children’s Emergency Shelter was constructed in the same year behind the Mission at 820 East 21st Street.   The Lonnie Heath Building was purchased in June of 1995 and was used for the Thrift Store Ministries and Maintenance.

   In May of 2001, the Mission continued expanding with the purchase of the Administration Building on 212 21st Street. The building provided additional offices for administration staff, but also provided a larger area for the Thrift Store Ministries. The Car Lot started leasing a building adjacent to the Administration Building in April 2001.   In May of 2001, the Thrift Store was able to acquire the warehouse behind Administration.   The Lonnie Heath Building underwent renovation in October 2001, to provide additional sleeping quarters for the increase of homeless guests.   The Urner Youth Outreach Center was purchased in December of 2002 and held its grand opening in March, 2003.   Two parks were also developed over 2001 and 2002 to provide a safe environment and an alternative to the downtown area for the Mission’s guests.   The Fellowship Park was created for the program men’s use and also contains the Westbrook Pavilion where outdo or concerts and events are held.   The second park was created for the homeless guests of the H.I.S. Center and is between H.I.S. and Lonnie Heath.   In the Fall of 2004 the Mission purchased the Salvation Army building at ther corner of E. 21st and King Streets which now houses our brand new Kitchen, our Chapel, and our new educational facility.  The entrance to the men’s program side and building also started undergoing a transformation in 2004.

   The Bakersfield Rescue Mission serves men and women of all ages.   We start at the Homeless Intervention Services Center where we establish food, clothing, and housing needs.   The H.I.S. Center turns no one away and references are given for medical assistance, housing, financial aid, veteran affairs, and referral assistance for children, families, and the mentally ill. Guests of our H.I.S. Center are provided with three meals per day along with 24 hour, 7 day per week shelter from all the elements.   The individuals who choose to stay with us are provided with showers, clothing, laundry, beds, sheets, and pillows.   We have increased our service to the homeless population approximately 100%, increasing our meals served from approximately 8,000 to 20,000 meals per month and sleeping capacity from 45 to 180 or more per night since December of 1998.   After immediate needs are met, we can work towards independent living, the result: a he althy, functioning productive citizen.

   Our Christian Life Training Program currently has 45-50 men and 45 women receiving daily counseling, Bible studies, education, job therapy, and vocational training.   No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco are permitted. These men and women receive all physical necessities and are held accountable to observe an ordered routine and contribute to housekeeping chores at the Mission.   We intend to reach our goal of 70 men and 40 to 45 women in the Christian Life Training Program in 2007.   The Christian Life Training Program is designed to reconcile man with God and to provide the participants with the skills necessary, not to just survive, but to become competitors within our society.

   Our youth department is committed to the inner city youth of Bakersfield.   The main focus of this ministry is an outreach program that goes right out to the streets, apartments, schools, and wherever else at risk inner city children may be found so as to bring them the message of love that we spread for our Lord Jesus Christ.   This program empowers children with morals, values, ethics, and leadership skills they can take back to their friends and families to impact the community in a positive way.   Over 2200 children have been reached in 2006 alone.     Our goal with this program is to break the cycles of poverty, drug abuse, and violence and prevent these children from becoming our future clients.

   The Bakersfield Rescue Mission has an on site Education Center, In the new building at the corner of King and E. 21st - The Curt Kennedy Community Center. This building, named for a long time supporter of the Mission, also houses our new kitchen and dining hall, as well as our new Chapel. The education center has been greatly expanded from what it use to be. The learning center offers prepatory classes for those striving to obtain their GED as well as specialised reading classes, with trained volunteers, for those who struggle with the written word. The center also offers a variety of classes on computer literacy and computer skills for the workplace. Finally the Education Center offers classes in parenting and a class called, "Money Matters" where our program people are taught how to deal with money from a godly perspective.

   Over 300 guests per day are being served at the Bakersfield Rescue Mission and we expect our numbers will increase during 2006-2007.   We realize we cannot serve this quantity of people with the quality they deserve without assistance.   Partner with us in demonstrating “Love In Action” every day to the least fortunate of Kern County.   We look forward to a good working relationship with you.