Bakersfield's main shelter options and how to reach them
Bakersfield has several shelter facilities run by different organizations. The largest is the Bakersfield Homeless Services Center, operated by the city, which provides overnight beds and day services. Kern County Department of Human Services also runs shelter programs. Beyond city facilities, nonprofits including the Bakersfield Rescue Mission and the Kern County Homeless Collaborative operate additional beds.
To find a bed tonight, call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone in California). The line connects you to a real person who knows which shelters have open beds that night and can tell you the address, arrival time, and what to bring. This is faster than calling individual shelters, which may have no one answering after hours. If you cannot reach 211, the Bakersfield Police Department's non-emergency line (661-327-7111) can direct you to emergency shelter.
Walk-in arrival is also possible at most shelters, though calling ahead means you will not arrive to find beds full. Shelters typically open for intake between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and you should plan to arrive during that window.
Key Takeaways
- Call 211 to find which Bakersfield shelters have beds available tonight; a real person will give you the address and intake time.
- Most shelters require you to arrive during intake hours (usually 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and will ask for a photo ID or other identification.
- Shelters typically provide a bed and a meal but may have rules about when you must leave in the morning and what you can bring inside.
- If you need shelter for more than a few nights, ask the shelter staff about transitional housing or longer-term programs while you are there.
- Pets and partners may stay at different facilities, so mention this when you call 211 so they can direct you to a shelter that fits your situation.
What documents and identification you need to bring
Bring a photo ID if you have one — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If you do not have photo ID, bring any document with your name on it: a birth certificate, Social Security card, or old utility bill. Shelters use this to check you in and to prevent the same person from being counted twice in their system.
You do not need to have a permanent address to enter a shelter. If you have no ID at all, most Bakersfield shelters will still admit you, though the intake process may take longer. Tell the staff what ID you do have, and they will work with what is available.
Bring any medications you take regularly, in their original bottles if possible. Shelters have medical staff or can connect you to a nurse, but having your own medications prevents a gap in your treatment. If you take prescription medications, bring the bottle so staff can see the dosage and your name.
Rules and routines inside Bakersfield shelters
Most shelters operate on a nightly basis: you check in during intake hours, sleep in a shared or individual bed, eat breakfast or a meal, and then leave by a set time in the morning (often 7 a.m. or 8 a.m.). Some shelters allow you to stay during the day if you are working or in a program; others require you to leave after breakfast and return only at intake time.
Shelters have rules about alcohol, drugs, and weapons. You cannot bring these inside. If you arrive under the influence, staff may turn you away or ask you to wait in a designated area until you are sober. Violence or threats toward other residents or staff will result in removal and a ban, usually for 30 days to a year depending on the shelter.
Pets are a common barrier. Some Bakersfield shelters have pet-friendly beds or can board your pet nearby; others cannot. When you call 211, mention if you have a pet so they can direct you to a facility that will take both of you. The same applies if you are traveling with a partner — some shelters separate men and women, while others have family or couple beds.
How long you can stay and what happens next
Most emergency shelters in Bakersfield offer beds on a night-by-night basis. You can stay multiple nights in a row, but there is no may provide of a bed every night — availability depends on how many people need shelter that evening. If you need shelter for more than a week or two, ask the intake staff about transitional housing, which is a longer-term program (usually 30 days to two years) where you have your own room or apartment and receive case management to help you move toward permanent housing.
While you are in the shelter, staff can connect you to other services: mental health counseling, substance use treatment, job training, or help with housing applications. The Bakersfield Homeless Services Center has case managers on site. If you want to work toward permanent housing, tell your case manager — they can help you understand what programs you may be able to enter and what documents you will need.
If you leave the shelter and later need to return, you can call 211 again. There is no penalty for coming back, and you do not lose your place in any longer-term programs by using emergency shelter.
Shelter locations and phone numbers in Bakersfield
The Bakersfield Homeless Services Center is located at 1000 Truxtun Avenue and serves as the primary city shelter. It has the most beds and the most services on site. You can reach it at 661-326-3700 during business hours, though calling 211 is the fastest way to check bed availability.
The Bakersfield Rescue Mission operates shelter beds and a meal program. Their main facility is at 1500 Baker Street. They can be reached at 661-325-8386. The Rescue Mission also runs a women's shelter and a family shelter at separate locations.
The Kern County Homeless Collaborative coordinates several programs and can direct you to beds that match your needs. Call 211 to reach them or to get current information about which shelters have space.
For veterans, the Veterans Village of Kern County provides shelter and supportive housing specifically for people who have served in the military. Call 661-633-0073 to learn about their programs.
Getting help beyond shelter: case management and housing programs
Shelter is a place to sleep safely, but most people need more to move out of homelessness. While you are in shelter, ask to speak with a case manager. They can help you understand what housing programs exist in Bakersfield and what you need to do to enter them.
Common next steps include explore for rapid rehousing, which provides a security deposit and a few months of rent while you find work and stabilize. You may also be referred to permanent supportive housing, which combines an apartment with ongoing mental health or substance use services. Both programs have income limits and other requirements, but a case manager can walk you through the process.
If you are working or can work, ask about job training programs. Bakersfield has several nonprofits that help people experiencing homelessness find employment. A job is often the fastest path out of shelter and into your own place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in a shelter if I have a job?
Yes. Many people in Bakersfield shelters work full-time but cannot afford rent. Some shelters require you to leave during the day, but you can return for intake in the evening. If you need a shelter that lets you stay during work hours, mention this when you call 211 — they can direct you to a facility with day services.
What if I have a mental health condition or I am on medication?
Tell the intake staff when you arrive. Most Bakersfield shelters have a nurse or medical staff on site or available by phone. Bring your medications in their original bottles. If you do not have medications but need them, shelter staff can connect you to a clinic or hospital that can help.
Can I bring my belongings into the shelter?
Yes, but there are limits. You can bring a backpack or small bag with personal items, medications, and documents. Large items like bicycles or multiple bags may need to be stored outside or at a separate location. Ask the intake staff what the rules are when you arrive.
What if I have been banned from a shelter?
Bans are usually temporary (30 days to a year). Call 211 and explain your situation — they can direct you to a different shelter that may have space. If you want to return to the shelter that banned you after the ban expires, contact them directly to confirm the ban has been lifted.
Do I have to give my real name to get into a shelter?
Shelters ask for your real name for their records and to prevent double-counting. If you have safety concerns, tell the intake staff — they can note this in your file and may be able to use a different name or take other steps to protect you.