Our history

The Hope Center Incorporated is a non-profit 501 c.3 charitable organization that began in 1999 as a ministry of the Olive Knolls Church of the Nazarene. Several Olive Knolls members recognized a growing need in the community and began putting together food baskets for the holidays and clothing packages for distribution to in-need individuals and families in the North Bakersfield Area. An appeal was made before the Olive Knolls congregation and the response was positive with donations of clothing, food and clothing being accumulated in a back room at the church. It was soon determined, because of the awesome response, that more room would be needed.

The Hope Center moved to a North Chester Avenue location and in 2007 to its present location at 3311 Manor Street. The Hope Center became a legal entity with its incorporation in 2007 as determined by the Secretary of State and the Federal IRS. The center’s mission: to provide the basic needs of food, clothing, moral support, and spiritual support to those individuals in need. Although started by Olive Knolls Church, the Hope Center is now part of a network of helping services in Kern County, including local churches, social service organizations and private groups.

In March of 2011 The Hope Center was designated as a distribution site for the Kern County Food Bank and as a result the number of families and individuals increased in vast numbers. In 2017 The Hope Center served more than 70,700 individuals compared to only 12,169 in 2009.

In 2012 Hope Center hired Bill Richert as its Outreach Coordinator. Bill advanced to the Executive Director’s position in July, 2015 following the retirement of Loron Hodge. Bill is a Licensed Pastor and Chaplain by way of Chaplains International Incorporated and a member of Canyon Hills Assembly of God Church.

The Hope Center has been a beacon of help and hope for hurting families not only in Oildale but to the entire county. The success of the Hope Center is due first of all to God who has directed our paths. With continued support of our Board of Directors, financial donors, materials donors, local churches and our loyal volunteers, The Hope Center Incorporated will continue to serve the needy in our community for many years to come.