Lakeland Shelters Expand Services During Cold Snap to Protect Unhoused Individuals

Cold Snap Response in Lakeland

• ❄️ Lakeland shelters are increasing capacity to provide safety for individuals experiencing homelessness during a severe cold snap.
• 🎯 Lighthouse Ministries, a nonprofit serving men, women, and children, is prioritizing safety by offering emergency overnight shelter.

Increased Demand and Services

• 📈 Lighthouse Ministries typically sees a 30% increase in demand for its 60-bed shelter during cold weather.
• 🍲 Services provided include breakfast, showers, beds for the night, and evening dinner.
• 🤝 When the main shelter reaches capacity, Lighthouse Ministries collaborates with community partners like Talbot House and local churches to find additional shelter options.

Talbot House Operations

• 🛡️ Talbot House is also a resource during the cold snap, increasing staffing and maintaining licensed security 24/7.
• 🍽️ Both Lighthouse Ministries and Talbot House offer nourishing meals, warm showers, blankets, and coats.

Community Support and Donations

• 🛍️ Lighthouse Ministries distributes warm clothing and blankets through its hope centers located in thrift stores across Polk and Hillsborough counties.
• 🥫 These items are made available at no charge to those in need, especially during cold nights.
• 🙏 Shelters emphasize the ongoing need for donations of warm clothing, blankets, and cold weather supplies as temperatures remain low.