Imagine being homeless for years then one day someone tells you you'll be getting free, permanent housing in a week.
Today, that dream became a reality for 12 homeless people in Bakersfield at a special ceremony thanks to the Kern Housing Authority.
A collection of volunteers surveyed the city for homeless people who don't stay in shelters - they found close to 300. Of those 300, they identified the 12 they say were most likely to die soon unless they were given immediate help and a safe place to stay.
Eugene Howard and Christine McCormack will both be moving into new homes in less than 10 days.
Christine, Eugene, and 10 others were chosen for housing based on their age, history of illness, and how long they've been homeless.
The 12 recipients have been on the streets for an average of 9 years but homeless agencies responsible for this housing gift haven't forgotten about the hundreds of other homeless people in the city.
They say thanks to this week's efforts to track down at-risk homeless people, they can serve each homeless person better though they can't immediately get him or her into housing.
Homeless advocates say they have enough housing for 36 homeless people, not just 12, but they need your donations to help with other costs associated with housing the homeless.
To see how you can help, visit one of the websites below:
http://www.kernhomeless.org http://www.facebook.com/fohkern
