BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 The comfort of air conditioning can feel like a luxury during a Kern County summer.<\/p>\n
“Knowing how to move safely in the summer when it’s hot. Even if you’re not unhoused, it’s really easy for someone to get overheated when it’s 100 degrees out,” said Melissa Rossiter with Blue Zones Project.<\/p>\n
That’s why the Blue Zone Project, SVS Cares and other nonprofits teamed up Tuesday to provide support for those in need.<\/p>\n
“The heat, it doesn’t care who you are. Right now, when everyone’s kind of hiding and trying to stay cool, we’re still here. We’re hot and we’re melting with them, but we have some stuff for them as well,” said Alexandria Vickers Carter with SVS Cares.<\/p>\n
As those waiting made their way around the warehouse picking up food and water, they also received information on how to stay safe under the heat wave.<\/p>\n
Kenneth Jung and his dog Harry were there.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“You could be wealthy one moment, and needy the next,” Jung said.<\/p>\n
Jung got laid off from his job last year. He’s 72.<\/p>\n
At home, he’s taking care of family members before himself.<\/p>\n
“I share my food with a few friends and family. [\u2026] It saved me a couple of meals. It’s saved me a lot,” said Jung.<\/p>\n
Saving money and staying cool can set up success, organizers said.<\/p>\n
“Help them get jobs, help them volunteer or just help them be around more people and slowly integrate them in traditional society, it just takes a little time,” said Vickers Carter.<\/p>\n
It’s a reminder that a little good goes a long way.<\/p>\n
“Whether you want to do food distributions like this or maybe you want to volunteer with another nonprofit or another organization in town, there’s so much good happening in our community that you can find what speaks to you and how you want to give back,” said Rossiter.<\/p>\n
Food giveaways are hosted every Tuesday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on 17th street in downtown Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
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