Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland, Inc.

Our vision is to empower all who come through our doors to become self-sufficient, productive members of society.

First, we aim to provide basic emergency services (food, clothing, overnight shelter, free medical care, etc.) to those in crisis. We offer a variety of services and referrals designed to stabilize individuals experiencing homelessness and empower them to establish and meet individualized goals. Each client's success looks different - whether they meet a milestone in sobriety, gain employment, establish a savings account, secure housing, or reunite with family, our clients work to break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the resiliency of our community.

Our overarching strategy is to serve as a "one-stop shop" of comprehensive support services for adults experiencing homelessness. By overcoming the transportation barrier so many face, we improve clients' chances of receiving the holistic physical, mental, practical, and spiritual support they need to accomplish their goals.

Specific services offered on-site include: three meals served daily, food pantry distribution twice weekly, low-barrier emergency shelter for men and women (including showers and clean clothing), free medical, dental, and mental health care, case management and sober living residential programs, employment training and placement, transportation assistance, financial education, and on-campus as well as county-wide affordable housing opportunities.

Another unique strategy employed by Talbot House is community building. Residents are expected to volunteer and serve each other as part of their recovery programming; they meet daily to discuss accomplishments and pray together. Peer-led groups and structured living contribute to a supportive environment which encourages clients on their journey toward self-sufficiency.

For over 40 years, Talbot House Ministries has been meeting the needs of the homeless in Polk County. Originally established as a soup kitchen, we have since grown to meet the needs of the community and now operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for those in need. Our campus is strategically positioned for easy access via car, bus, bike, or on foot. As a low-barrier shelter, we serve individuals who may struggle to qualify for services elsewhere. All staff are trained in trauma-informed care and mental health first aid, and our leadership team consists of experts in their respective fields. Our organization has developed an expertise in administering HUD-funded affordable housing programs while providing wraparound services that encourage self-sufficiency.

We maintain positive, collaborative relationships with a wide range of other nonprofits, businesses, faith-based organizations, and government agencies. We also maintain an active volunteer program to support and extend our services. Such partnerships are key to our ongoing success.

In 2021, Talbot House Ministries completed renovations on the Vermont Place Apartments, an affordable housing initiative made possible through partnership with the City of Lakeland. With rents averaging $441 monthly, this project offers truly affordable housing to previously homeless adults, those with disabilities, and veterans. Through a combination of on-campus and scattered housing projects, we housed 120 individuals last year across Polk County. We intend to continue expanding our affordable housing inventory to serve additional clientele in the future.

Besides affordable housing, our other services are also always in high demand. We distribute approximately 300 meals every day. In 2021, over 70,000 pounds of food were redistributed to the food insecure. We average 130 individuals on campus every night. Since its inception, our employment program has helped 477 individuals gain part-time or full-time work. Our clinic treated 811 patients last year, making it the third-busiest free clinic in Polk County. Looking forward, we aim to continue developing our most needed specialized services, such as mental health care and outreach, to better meet the needs of our population.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we facilitate COVID-19 vaccinations as well as regular client and staff testing. We are also able to quarantine COVID-positive homeless individuals when necessary.