About The Willow Branch
Compassion, empowerment and community collaboration
Who we are, why we do this work, and the people who made it possible.
Our Why
Back into society, for good
At The Willow Branch, we are committed to helping people become their best selves. One of the most important ways we do that is by helping those who were once homeless find their footing in society again.
As Bakersfield works to make its streets safer and cleaner, one of the most effective approaches is to help people reintegrate. When we offer support and resources to those ready to turn their lives around, we reach the root causes behind homelessness, substance abuse and crime. Rehabilitation programs, job-training initiatives and community outreach open a path for people to rebuild their lives and contribute again.
Pairing street clean-up efforts with programs that lift people up creates a community that is more inclusive and more supportive for everyone.
Our Approach
Housing first, then everything else
Stability comes before progress. Transitional housing gives our residents an address, a door that locks and a routine. Around that we build the wrap-around services that make the next step possible: food, job preparation, mentoring, children’s activities and connection to public resources.
Each resident’s path is different, so support is shaped around the person, not the program.
In Memory of Bill Erwin
The man behind the name
Our name and mission are a tribute to Bill Erwin, the founder of The Willows Recovery Center. Through the 2000s Bill guided many men to sobriety with a caring but firm approach and a readiness to help anyone fighting addiction.
His legacy continues in our work today.
Founding Donors
The people who made it possible
The Willow Branch exists because of the generosity of its founding donors.
- Anonymous
- Catherine Murdoch
- Kay Harrell
- The Apple Core Project
- Kern County Forensic Services LLC
- Sally Murdoch
- Mary Erwin
Thank you for considering a gift to our cause and for helping people in our community who are working toward a brighter future.
Join Them
Your support writes the next chapter.
Donate through Give Big Kern or volunteer your time and talent.