What began in 1979 as a small church-run soup kitchen with a few basement beds has grown into one of Kern County’s most critical support systems for families who are facing homelessness, domestic violence, and crisis.
“Over time, that grassroots local effort really expanded and ended up forming the 501(c)(3) Bethany Services, which is the Open Door Network,” said Marvin Luna, the Open Door Network’s director of grants and data. “In 1985, we got our first shelter, and since then it’s been an effort to expand and keep providing services.”
According to Luna, the Open Door Network serves more than 7,000 people annually through emergency shelter, supportive services, therapy, restraining order assistance, court accompaniments, child care, transportation, food, clothing, and rental assistance…