CityServe responds to Tropical Storm Hilary flooding in Ridgecrest, California

Approximately 40 homes have reported damage, neighborhood still flooded

photo cred: The office of State Senator Shannon Grove

AUGUST 23, 2023 – BAKERSFIELD, CA – On Tuesday, CityServe partnered with State Senator Shannon Grove’s office, KSI, and Continental Labor and Staffing to respond to flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary in Ridgecrest, California and aid households in the disaster-relief effort through local churches. Truckloads containing 11 pallets of water, gatorade, first aid, cleaning supplies, and toiletries were delivered to The Lighthouse Church—a CityServe POD (point of distribution)—in Ridgecrest. Several churches in the community picked up relief items from The Lighthouse Church to deliver to households deep in the community.

“It’s inspiring to see our community come together once again to help our neighbors in crisis,” commented House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. “I commend CityServe, Senator Grove, and the incredible volunteers and staff for their selfless determination in assisting those in need during this time. We are stronger when we work together.”

The Lighthouse Church community delivering supplies.

photo cred: The office of State Senator Shannon Grove

Woman holding gatorades from The Lighthouse Church.

photo cred: The office of State Senator Shannon Grove

“I was privileged to participate in the community effort to send supplies to Ridgecrest as residents begin the recovery process after Hurricane Hilary. A huge thank you to our community partners who assisted in this effort, including CityServe, KSI, Continental Labor and Staffing Resources and The LightHouse who not only organized a successful event, but also collected essential items so that we could distribute them to impacted families. I am extremely thankful that at a moment’s notice, our community is prepared to help those who need support. We will continue to work together as we focus on long term recovery efforts to repair roads and infrastructure damage.” -Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield)

“We are so thankful to Senator Shannon Grove, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, KSI, and Continental Labor and Staffing for helping us respond quickly to the flooding in Ridgecrest,” said CityServe director of Kern County Cherese Grell. “The local church is always on the frontlines of any disaster and we are honored to help resource them so they can help families.”

Approximately 40 homes have reported damage and one neighborhood is still flooded as the City of Ridgecrest is still assessing damage and pumping out water. The City of Ridgecrest has estimated the disaster cleanup from flooding and debris could take 2-4 weeks.

The Bakersfield-based CityServe resources an extensive church-based network providing food, water, and emergency supplies to families devastated by disaster. The non-profit’s recent disaster-relief campaigns include aiding victims of the Maui wildfires that took 115 lives and devastated the town of Lahaina, as well responding in Southwest Florida last year after Hurricane Ian’s landfall.