For more than 15 years, Carlos Baldovinos has worked with people experiencing homelessness in Kern County.

Baldovinos is the executive director of the Mission at Kern County, a men’s homeless shelter in Bakersfield. He said homelessness is often misunderstood and cannot be solved with one simple answer.

“Homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all problem,” Baldovinos said. “It’s complex and affects people in different ways.”

His comments come as homelessness has been discussed publicly at Bakersfield City Council meetings. During a recent meeting, Councilmember Zack Bashirtash referred to the city’s spending on homelessness as a “waste.”

During that meeting, city officials also discussed the Clean City Initiative and Community Vitality programs, which were created after the COVID-19 pandemic to address litter, illegal dumping, and encampments across Bakersfield. 

Baldovinos said he reviewed the full meeting video and agenda before responding. He said the discussion mainly focused on the Clean City Initiative and community vitality programs, not homelessness services directly.

At the Mission at Kern County, Baldovinos said the focus is on meeting basic needs while helping people work toward long-term stability. Over the years, the mission has expanded its services to include programs for women and children, recovery programs, transitional housing, and job training.

The mission serves up to 300,000 meals each year, he said. The organization is now planning to expand its kitchen and dining space, as well as add more transitional housing and vocational training.

Baldovinos said long-term solutions to homelessness must include mental health care, substance use treatment, and affordable housing.

“Shelters are not the final solution,” he said. “People need long-term housing and support.”

He said some of the most meaningful moments in his work come from seeing people rebuild their lives. Many arrive at the mission feeling hopeless, he said, and later leave with jobs, stable housing, or reunited family connections.

“They come here at their lowest point,” Baldovinos said. “They find hope and support.”

Compassion is central to the mission’s work, he said. The organization provides meals, clothing, showers, and case management to help people meet basic needs and move forward.

“That’s what compassion looks like,” Baldovinos said. “Helping people when they need it most.”

Baldovinos said the mission’s goal is to continue expanding services and helping people regain stability.

“Every life matters,” he said.