Bakersfield, Calif. – CityServe Network and the Housing Authority of Kern County hosted the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting for Elevate Apartments in Downtown Bakersfield, taking a significant step forward in the fight against homelessness and poverty in Kern County.
Wendell Vinson, Co-founder of CityServe, shared in his remarks the heart behind the project: “Our mission is crystal clear. We don’t simply want to serve those experiencing poverty, homelessness, or addiction—we want to break those chains. We want to see individuals set free from the cycles that keep them stuck in pain and despair. Elevate is about fostering real solutions that empower, uplift, and inspire lasting change.”
The Elevate Apartments is more than just a housing complex, it’s a launchpad designed to empower individuals experiencing homelessness to overcome challenges and walk forward into a sustainable way of life. The mission of this development is to provide hope, create a path to self-sufficiency, and offer a practical game plan to help those in need reclaim their future and live with purpose.
The program featured remarks from local and organizational leaders including:
Mayor Karen Goh, City of Bakersfield
Wendell Vinson, CityServe Co-founder & Chairman of the Board of Directors
Stephen Pelz, Executive Director, Housing Authority of Kern County
Kylie Martinez, Social Work Supervisor, EA Family Services
Cherese Grell, Director, CityServe Kern
Cherese Grell, Director of CityServe Kern, shared the story of Ola, a current Elevate resident who faced significant challenges in her past that led to homelessness. Grell read a heartfelt letter from Ola, which included the words: “I feel safe, comfortable, and I have a clean environment to live in. From now on, I hope I can live like this to the end of time.”
Those in attendance had the opportunity to tour the new facility, learn about the wraparound services being offered, and hear firsthand how Elevate is poised to bring a lasting impact to Kern County.
The first apartment complex of its kind in Kern County, Elevate brings something better to the community by helping residents experience elevated living, transition into long-term sustainable housing, and achieve a better quality of life. It is designed for individuals who are overcoming life’s struggles and want to continue moving forward to reach their goals. For more information, visit elevatekern.com.
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