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Lakeland’s shelters are preparing to support the unhoused during a cold snap that is expected to last through next week.
Temperatures could drop below freezing tonight. There will be a slight reprieve on Saturday, then lows that hover near freezing until at least next Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Both Talbot House Ministries and Lighthouse Ministries are operating above capacity during these cold temperatures to ensure the safety of those experiencing homelessness.
The shelters also both provide food, blankets, warm clothes and coats. They are always accepting donations.
Talbot House Ministries
Talbot House Ministries provides clothing, laundry, showers and bedding during cold weather emergencies. “Our doors will remain open to welcome our unhoused neighbors during this cold spell, and we will operate under emergency overflow procedures,” said Maria Cruz, executive director of Talbot House Ministries.
During cold temperatures, the shelter at 814 North Kentucky Ave. will provide shelter to as many people in need as possible. Guests will have the option to remain indoors to ensure their safety and comfort.
Typically, Talbot House averages around 100 guests each night. The facility can accommodate up to 250 guests if all spaces — including hallways, offices and conference rooms — are utilized,” Cruz said.
While cold temperatures persist, individuals can seek shelter at Talbot House any time, day or night. The shelter increases staffing to ensure adequate coverage and assistance. They also have licensed security on site 24/7.
“Currently, we are operating at about 120 overnight guests and 70 residents, and we expect these numbers to rise due to the severe cold,” Cruz said. “Dinner service has increased to an average of 175 meals per night, up from 130.”
Meals are served according to the schedule below:
- Breakfast: 6 – 7 a.m.
- Lunch: 11 a.m. – noon
- Dinner: 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- Evening snack: 7:30 p.m.
Talbot House also has a location in Winter Haven, Talbot House Ministries Center for Women & Children at 320 Martin Luther King Boulevard NW.
Lighthouse Ministries
Lighthouse Ministries’ Gospel Rescue Mission provides services for unhoused and at-risk men. “When the temperature is below 45 degrees, we work to ensure that there is room for homeless men in need for these cold nights at the Lighthouse Gospel Rescue Mission,” said Rob Clark, director of communications.
“It is harsh, and it’s hard,” said Lighthouse Ministries Executive Director, Steve Turbeville. There have been times during cold weather incidents that the shelter has operated at double its normal capacity, but that meant people were sleeping on the floor, he said.
Now, said Turbeville, they provide safe and comfortable shelter for as many men as possible, then work to connect additional men in need with alternative resources.
Check-in at the Gospel Rescue Mission at 117 E. Magnolia St. begins at 3:30 p.m. each day, and individuals leave after breakfast the next morning, around 5:30 or 6 a.m. All fees are waved when the temperature is below 45 degrees.
Lighthouse Ministries also distributes food, warm clothes and blankets at their Hope Centers, located in each of their thrift stores in Lakeland, Brandon, Plant City and Winter Haven.
The Hope Center in Lakeland is located at 130 US-98 S., Suite 3111, or near the intersection of E. Edgewood Drive and Bartow Road.
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Hebrews 13:2
Thank you ALL who work to give the homeless food & shelter , especially during this extreme cold weather…I’ve been to the facility,it gave me a huge slice of Humble pie…I sponsored a person who lived there & had qualified an upgrade to the one bedroom apt…We both were AA members…