In August 2011, the Board of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern established a non­profit foundation for the specific purpose of raising funds from the general public and other sources to support programs, facilities and services that benefit participants of Housing Authority programs and other low-income individuals in achieving self-sufficiency. In February 2012, the Housing and Opportunity Foundation of Kern received its non-profit designation.

The Housing and Opportunity Foundation of Kern was created with the premise that most people want a hand up, not a hand out. In order to find solutions to the economic and social barriers low income families face, our direct services provide youth and adults with the tools and choices to make positive decisions that will impact the entire household. This is a structured approach to support our community's most vulnerable residents and assist them in becoming an asset to themselves and the community. This will strengthen families and ultimately, Kern County.

We urge you to become part of the solution. Your sponsorship and support of this event will enable the Housing and Opportunity Foundation of Kern to make a much-needed impact in filling families' basic needs, providing educational and job training opportunities, and implementing asset development strategies for households and help fulfill our mission of empowering families to become self-sufficient.