The Bakersfield Burrito Project has operated in Bakersfield for about 15 years serving the city's homeless community and feeding those in need. However, in the last few months, the nonprofit has been dealing with break-ins and the theft of the very items donated to help others. Co-Founder and CEO Belinda Lopez Rickett says that while the property owners will not be renewing their lease, the Bakersfield Burrito Project is determined to keep helping those who need it most. 23ABC's Breanna Polk spoke with Lopez Rickett to learn more.
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00:00 We begin with the plight of a local non-profit organization that's been serving the homeless
00:04 community for over a decade.
00:06 It needs to find a new home as soon as possible.
00:09 This comes as the co-founder says issues with theft remain while the property owners are
00:13 not renewing their lease.
00:15 But as 23 ABC's Briana Polk discovered, despite these challenges, the non-profit plans to
00:20 continue feeding those in need.
00:22 The Bakersfield Burrito Project has been around for about 15 years now.
00:26 However, in the last few months the non-profit has been dealing with break-ins and theft
00:30 of the very items that are given to help others.
00:33 The co-founder tells me even though the lease is not getting renewed, she is still determined
00:38 to help those who need it the most.
00:40 We will continue no matter what.
00:43 We have been through many challenges and this is just another hurdle that we're going through.
00:48 And we feel that it makes us stronger because it gives us change.
00:53 It's not comfortable change but it's bringing us change that we're going to be out in other
00:58 areas.
00:59 Last month I caught up with the co-founder of the Bakersfield Burrito Project, Belinda
01:03 Lopez-Rickett, who says the facility where they distributed the food was broken into
01:08 seven times.
01:09 And in July, she says it happened twice more.
01:12 Lopez-Rickett says some of the stolen items included canned food, dog food, and clothes.
01:18 She says despite the ongoing issues and having to pack up Monday morning, the non-profit
01:22 remains optimistic.
01:24 We will adapt and evolve.
01:26 We're very lucky to have some really hardcore volunteers who are dedicated to helping out
01:30 the Bakersfield Burrito Project as well as our community.
01:33 So they're going to come out here today and help us clean up the rest of the office.
01:36 Lopez-Rickett says that property owners did not address these security concerns.
01:41 I reached out to the landlord who says in a statement, quote, "The Burrito Project did
01:45 incur several break-ins.
01:47 The Golden Empire gleaners boarded up windows and replaced windows several times and lastly
01:53 installed bars on the new windows," end quote.
01:56 Despite the change, the organization will continue handing out food to the homeless
02:00 at Wesley United Methodist Church.
02:03 And as for other items such as hygiene kits, Lopez-Rickett says those will be distributed
02:07 in a mobile manner.
02:09 Whatever we can hold in our cars or our vehicles, we will have on hand with us like dog food,
02:15 hygiene kits.
02:16 We won't be able to hold, do our clothing unless it's like our anniversary event or
02:20 special event that we actually reserve a park for.
02:24 And if you're interested in making a donation and helping the Bakersfield Burrito Project,
02:28 more details can be found on our website, turnto23.com.
02:32 In Bakersfield, I'm Brianna Polk, 23 ABC News, connecting you.