ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 28, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: CONSENT-Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development Director DATE: May 6, 2025
SUBJECT: Agreement with St. Vincent de Paul (not to exceed $550,000) to implement Conditional Use Permit 24-0019 for the Restroom and Kitchen Remodel Project at 316 Baker Street (Ward 2)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
St. Vincent de Paul Homeless Center (“SVDP”), located at 316 Baker Street, is a 29,228 square foot, very low-to-no-barrier day center serving the homeless population since 1954. SVDP serves as a community space where people come to eat, use the restroom, take a shower, and rest in an environment that is welcoming and safe for all. In addition to those experiencing homelessness, the center provides food and beverages to anyone in need and distributes food baskets, hygiene kits, clothing, and mail as needed. The facility provides space for clinical and behavioral health services, substance abuse counseling and case management.
Since 2022, SVDP has increased the serving of meals from 200 a day, to 375 meals a day. The additional people served has increased the use of restrooms and showers and has severely impacted the capacity of the center’s kitchen. The proposed project will upgrade and expand the restroom/shower units and kitchen space, including the replacement of aging appliances and infrastructure to improve efficiency and service delivery.
On January 16, 2025, the Bakersfield Planning commission approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 24- 0019 for the proposed project. Community outreach was conducted including a community meeting, letters to adjacent residences and businesses, as well as an invitation for public comment at the Planning Commission meeting. All comments received were incorporated into the CUP.
The following is a summary of the proposed improvements:
Upgraded Bathrooms
The SVDP homeless center has four bathrooms and two showers which are used extensively each day.
These units were built approximately 14 years ago with a much lower traffic footprint in mind. The project will upgrade and expand the four existing bathrooms and two showers to meet current demand.
Upgraded Kitchen
The SVDP commercial kitchen was built in 2010 and is used extensively throughout the week to cook and serve meals to those in need. The project will increase the current cooking and serving space, replace outdated fixtures and appliances, and increase the refrigeration space. The kitchen expansion will also include the repair of the HVAC unit.
It should be noted at the May 19, 2025, Department Budget Presentations there was an item included that could provide for future Operations at St. Vincent de Paul. The project before council today does not include operations, but is a request to make needed improvements to a facility that has been serving homeless population since 1954. Therefore, staff recommends the City award SVDP $550,000 in PSVS funds for the remodel and expansion of the bathroom and kitchen facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$550,000 budgeted in PSVS FY 2024-25
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
COUNCIL WARD: 2
ATTACHMENTS:
Agreement