BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Hope on Hart tiny homes community in Oildale, a joint initiative by Hope the Mission and Kern County, has reported significant success in its efforts to address homelessness since its opening last April. Rowan Vansleve, a representative from Hope the Mission, highlighted the project’s achievements, stating, “So far in that past year, we’ve provided shelter to over 230 people, these are individuals, and 60 of them have already been able to make that move into permanent housing, and they’re thriving in life, not ever to return to the streets.”
The community, which consists of 50 units equipped with multiple laundry rooms, bathrooms, and a dog park, operates on a referral basis. Vansleve explained the initial steps for new residents: “Very first thing that you’re going to do is have a shower, because if you’ve been without a hot shower, you just don’t feel the same. You’re going to get a clean pair of undies. You’re going to smell great, some clean clothes. If you’ve got a bunch of clothes with you, we’re going to throw that in the laundry, and we’re going to start again. If you’ve got a dog with you, we’re going to give that dog a toy and a little too much food. Then at that point, we’re going to sit down with you. And that’s a pretty invasive moment. You’re going to sit down with one of our case managers, and we’re going to track down what was the cause of your homelessness. And how can we partner together to overcome that.”
District 3 Supervisor Jeff Flores, who has been instrumental in the partnership, emphasized the importance of providing effective assistance to those in need. “My position is to break down encampments, offer services, get people the treatment they need because if they want it we will find a place and we will have a place for them,” said Flores…