Several local experts this morning gave an overview of homelessness in Lakeland and what is happening at social service agencies and schools to address it. The session, sponsored by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, was moderated by City Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley.
Panelists were:
- Teresa Maio, Planning and Housing Manager, Community and Economic Development, City of Lakeland
- Laura Lee Gwinn, Executive Director, Homeless Coalition of Polk County Inc.
- Ben Ruch, Homeless Liaison, The Hearth Project | Polk County Public Schools
- Brenda Reddout, Executive Director, Talbot House Ministries
The event was held at Lakeland Regional Health’s Hollis Cancer Center Auditorium. Presenting sponsors were Central Florida Health Care, Givewell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida.