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Bakersfield council approves $2.5 million for new Open Door Network family shelter campus
Summary
Council approved a $2.5 million payment from the affordable housing trust fund to support construction of a new Open Door Network family shelter campus that will expand capacity (roughly 330–350 beds), add a wellness/transitional wing, and double licensed child-care capacity; one council member voted no and one was absent.
The Bakersfield City Council voted Feb. 25 to provide $2.5 million from the city’s affordable housing trust fund to support construction of a new Open Door Network family shelter campus.
Open Door Network (presenter identified in the record as Miss Skidmore and later referenced by staff as "Lauren") described a site renovation of a former Kern Rock plant into a campus of about 74,000 square feet that consolidates several existing programs. Speakers said the campus will expand emergency-bed capacity to roughly 330–350 beds, add a wellness/transitional care wing aimed at supporting people recently discharged from hospitals or needing short-term medical oversight, and double licensed child‑care capacity to serve resident families.
"We run the only emergency shelter in Kern County that supports children on site," the presenter said, noting the organization’s focus on families and victims of domestic violence and laying out a capital stack that includes private funds, new market tax credits and federal and state grants.
City staff and the presenter described a multi-source funding plan: about $29.5 million in private funds and $16 million in governmental sources for the total project, and the $2.5 million city contribution was presented as part of previously appropriated trust-fund money. Staff noted the city’s affordable-housing trust fund retains a balance and that state matches and previously allocated HAP dollars had supported related work.
Council discussion ranged from fiscal caution to recognition of program need and community impact; Vice Mayor Core described the site as a neighborhood revitalization that helps vulnerable families. Several council members sought assurances on milestones and on how the city’s contribution would reduce borrowing costs; Open Door Network said the project could proceed without the $2.5 million but that it would raise financing costs and increase reliance on bridge loans.
The vote carried (council member Gonzalez absent); Council Member Weir recorded a no vote.
What happens next: The agreement will be finalized and staff will monitor milestone-based deliverables; staff said the funding was budgeted previously and the council directed continued reporting back on progress as the capital campaign and construction advance.
