Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-09-24

RECOGNIZING FLOOD MINISTRIES

TaxesTradeHousingInfrastructureAgriculture

Context

On 2026-09-24, Representative David G. Valadao (R-CA-22) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING FLOOD MINISTRIES" in the House.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING FLOOD MINISTRIES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E977] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING FLOOD MINISTRIES ______ HON. DAVID G. VALADAO of california in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Flood Ministries on its 20th anniversary and to honor years of steadfast service to the most underserved members of the Kern County community. In 2006, dedicated volunteers from The Bridge Bible Church gathered to establish Flood Ministries under the belief that every person experiencing homelessness should be treated with dignity and respect. For the past 20 years, Flood has put that belief into action, providing quality care and support to people of all ages and backgrounds. Through several key partnerships, Flood has expanded its reach throughout Bakersfield and Kern County. Working with the Bakersfield- Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative and the Housing Authority of the County of Kern, it has provided personalized case management and housing services for homeless individuals struggling with severe mental and physical health challenges. Flood has also partnered with Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the County of Kern, Kern Health Systems, and the Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative to establish Navigation Centers throughout the Central Valley. These centers offer dedicated housing support that helps individuals find and transition into permanent homes. Flood also works with local leaders and first responders to connect people in need with critical services. For two decades, Flood has taken a hands-on approach to addressing homelessness. Its Welcome Home project provides vital household items to help turn empty spaces into safe and dignified homes, while its mobile and fixed shower services provide an important resource for people in need. These efforts, strengthened by Flood's partnerships throughout the community, have helped maintain a 90 percent longterm housing retention rate. Today, Flood is focused on early intervention through its Bakersfield and Rural Youth Homeless Demonstration Programs, providing personalized care to vulnerable young adults and stopping chronic homelessness before it takes root. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Flood Ministries on 20 years of dedicated service to the people of Kern County and in wishing it continued success for years to come. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING FLOOD MINISTRIES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E977] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING FLOOD MINISTRIES ______ HON. DAVID G. VALADAO of california in the house of representatives Thursday, September 24, 2026 Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Flood Ministries on its 20th anniversary and to honor years of steadfast service to the most underserved members of the Kern County community. In 2006, dedicated volunteers from The Bridge Bible Church gathered to establish Flood Ministries under the belief that every person experiencing homelessness should be treated with dignity and respect. For the past 20 years, Flood has put that belief into action, providing quality care and support to people of all ages and backgrounds. Through several key partnerships, Flood has expanded its reach throughout Bakersfield and Kern County. Working with the Bakersfield- Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative and the Housing Authority of the County of Kern, it has provided personalized case management and housing services for homeless individuals struggling with severe mental and physical health challenges. Flood has also partnered with Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the County of Kern, Kern Health Systems, and the Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative to establish Navigation Centers throughout the Central Valley. These centers offer dedicated housing support that helps individuals find and transition into permanent homes. Flood also works with local leaders and first responders to connect people in need with critical services. For two decades, Flood has taken a hands-on approach to addressing homelessness. Its Welcome Home project provides vital household items to help turn empty spaces into safe and dignified homes, while its mobile and fixed shower services provide an important resource for people in need. These efforts, strengthened by Flood's partnerships throughout the community, have helped maintain a 90 percent longterm housing retention rate. Today, Flood is focused on early intervention through its Bakersfield and Rural Youth Homeless Demonstration Programs, providing personalized care to vulnerable young adults and stopping chronic homelessness before it takes root. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Flood Ministries on 20 years of dedicated service to the people of Kern County and in wishing it continued success for years to come. ____________________