BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — For most, the holidays are about being around family and friends and enjoying each other’s presence.
But that may not be the case for everyone as the holidays can be some of the most difficult if they don’t have a place to go.
In Kern County, many places will open their doors and welcome guests. Tis the season of holiday cheer and it’s all about making sure someone has a place to go to but does not feel judged for being alone during the holidays.
“We’re so blessed to live in the community of Bakersfield,” said City of Bakersfield’s Mayor, Karen Goh. “Where there is generosity and caring for others. There are so many places during the holidays for people who maybe don’t have another place to go to be welcomed.
As the holidays are in full effect, many may not be as fortunate to enjoy a hot meal and be surrounded by loved ones.
“When they’re coming for a meal, get services, give them, you know, clothing, we’re not asking them what group they belong to, what their affiliation is,” said The Mission at Kern County Executive Director, Carlos Baldovinos. “We’re accepting of people wherever they’re at. Just what it says, ‘Love and Action’. We want to help people, regardless of their background or whatever they’re going through. That’s what we’ve done for over 70 years.”
The possible thought of being stereotyped and judged, Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services says that it may restrict someone from exploring the many dinner options Kern County has to offer on Thanksgiving.
“So, people often struggle with their mental health during holidays due to several factors,” said Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Behavioral Health Supervisor, Tripat Grewal. “The urge to maintain high expectations can lead to financial strain during holidays and emotional strain as well as the dynamics in the family systems. Being away from loved ones, and being away from home, unable to contact, and remembering the loss of loved ones, can also cause emotional stress from the holidays.”
As for places someone can visit, the community within the city of Bakersfield says that even the holidays, everyone deserves to have a place to go to.
“Now, you go into the Thanksgiving holiday,” explains The Mission at Kern County’s Baldovinos. “Everybody wants somewhere to go, no matter who it is. There’s a sense of a family. We set it up as a family. We set it up a welcoming environment that people feel accepted. They’re having a meal. It’s Thanksgiving Day.”
“When people are hurting, people come together and show compassion,” said RiverLakes Community Church Pastor, Angelo Frazier. “Without a doubt. It doesn’t matter what spectrum you’re on, where you’re what you’re going through, we respond to that. And I think that’s that’s not only human nature. I think that’s what God put in us to respond to what Peter said, when you’re even when your enemy is hungry, to feed them.”
Despite a bad reputation by California Governor, Gavin Newsom, Bakersfield’s Mayor, Karen Goh says regardless who you are, the city of Bakersfield accepts you as you are.
“People of all faiths, people of all nationalities, people from whatever walks of life,” said Mayor Goh. “And I know that our churches, our centers, embrace and welcome all those, the lonely, the poor, the broken hearted.”