New Apartments for Foster Youth in Kern County
Covenant Community Services, Inc., in partnership with the Kern County Housing Authority (HACK), is proud to announce the opening of Cornerstone North Chester. The newly renovated building was initially built for a doctor’s office and has been transformed into 18 studio apartments for foster youth.
The journey to new housing for foster youth began with a relationship developed in 2007 with HACK. Our first endeavor was Building Blocks, a transitional housing program for 18-21 year olds in south Bakersfield. Over time, our work and partnership blossomed, leading to more housing and the beginning of Cornerstone in December of 2021.
The first site completed was Cornerstone Oildale Drive, and there was a great story shared by Melissa Gomez of the Los Angeles Times. In Kern County, an abandoned church gets a second life as housing for former foster youth. Melissa did a fantastic job capturing the hope that housing brings.
It has been a long wait since December 2021, but the work is complete. Cornerstone N Chester is receiving final touches, and the youth will move in as soon as we make each apartment a home. Here is where you come in. We need your help. The youth need your help. Let’s make this place shine with the warmth and love that only folks like you and the community can give.
Leaving foster homes for independence can be complicated and overwhelming. The goal of Covenant is to help youth navigate the challenges and barriers by providing hope and love. Covenant’s mission is to restore lives and transform generations! Daily, the Covenant team serves and supports youth with housing, transitional services, case management, life skills education, vocational services, and much more. The work matters, and the outcomes change through the efforts of valiant youth.
Do you remember the first time you moved out? Do you remember your first place and the people that helped? Many youth exiting foster care don’t have a lot of people in their corner offering help and support. This is where you come in! We have an opportunity to bless foster youth with basic household needs and show that we care. Will you help?
We would love any support. Most importantly, as a compassionate community partner, you will speak volumes of hope and love for youth!
How You Can Help
The easy work has been accomplished. Now, it is time to share hope and love with foster youth. Your help provides the essentials youth need to move into their new home. You can buy one item or contribute to a whole room. Any donation helps, and let the youth know we care!
Go directly to the Covenant Community Services website and give toward a room completion or for an entire room! It is our desire to give these youth a great start by launching them with brand-new items. You can donate money, and we will shop, or you can shop for the items on the Target Registry or find something similar in quality and price. Below is the list of basic needs.
The List
Kitchen
• Pot and Pan Set $30.00
• 3-Piece Knife Set $20.00
• Kitchen scissors $5.00
• 12pc nonstick cookware set with prestige tools $55.00
• Plate Set 16 pc Stoneware $50.00
• Glassware Set $15.00
• Utensils20pc Teagan flatware silver $20.00
• Black and Decker 0.7 cu 700 W black microwave $90.00
• Plastic ice trays 2pk $5.00
• 7pc cotton kitchen textile set $15.00
• 8pc Glass set of 4 mixing bowls with lids $25.00
• Swivel Peeler $12.00
• Cheese Grater $12.00
• Small Steel Dish Drainer $10.00
• Ice cube bin $5.00
• Dawn dishwashing liquid $5.00
• 5L Round Step Trash Can Black $18.00
• Can Opener $5.00
• Scrub Sponges $10,00
Kitchen Total: $407.00
Bathroom
• Cream Cotton Bathmats Set of 2 $35.00
• 6PC Cotton bath set (blue, grey, and Teal) $25.00
• Shower Curtain with liner (white) $30.00
• Dove Unscented Soap bars 8pk $15.00
• Colgate toothpaste and toothbrush $7.00
• Deodorant $6.00
• Toilet paper $10.00
• Dove Beauty shampoo and conditioner set $10.00
• Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner $5.00
• Slim Toilet Bowl Brush and plunger $20.00
• Tampax Pearl Tampons $10.00
• Always Radiant Sanitary Pads $13.00
• Bathroom small trash can $12.00
Bathroom Total: $198.00
Other Needs
• Fire Extinguishing aerosol spray $15.00
• First aid kit $20.00
• Tide Pod Laundry Detergent $22.00
• 5pc Twin XL comforter and sheet set $60.00
• (Gray, blue, light yellow)
• Hangers (18pk) $5.00
• Swifter Sweeper 2 in 1 Dry Wet Floor $18.00
• Clorox One Sweep Broom and Dustpan $15.00
• Pillow $15.00
• Small Ironing board $20.00
• Black and Decker Steam Iron $15.00
Other Needs Total: $205.00
Food for Three Days
• Bread white butter top $3.00
• Tropicana orange juice $5.00
• Gold Peak Tea $6.00
• Frito Lay mix chips $14.00
• Bananas $2.00
• Lemons 6 $5.00
• Iceberg lettuce $2.00
• On the Vine Tomato $2.00
• Ground beef 1.35lbs $10.00
• Sliced cooked ham $5.00
• Breaded chicken breast strips $14.00
• Kraft Single American cheese slices $8.00
• Butter $5.00
• Dozen Eggs $5.00
• Frozen Pizza $8.00
• Frozen broccoli $3.00
• Frozen green beans $5.00
• Heinz ketchup $5.00
• French’s Mustard and Mayonnaise $7.00
• Olive oil Bertolli $14.00
• Cheerios 8.9 ounces $6.00
Food Total: $134.00
Grand Total for One Unit: $944.00
Target Registry For Foster Youth Apartments
If you’d like to give a gift to support foster youth, you can do so by visiting the provided Target gift registry link. This registry is specifically set up to aid youth moving into a new home. You can give hope and make a difference today by selecting an item from the wishlist. Here’s the link for easy access:
Target Charity Gift Registry
Covenant Community Services, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit that serves Kern County foster youth and provides various support and programs. Our Tax ID is 42-1584502, and all donations are tax-deductible as permitted.