Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland

Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland Talbot House Ministries is the most comprehensive community services provider in Polk County, Florida. We are the place where lives finds hope. to 12 p.m.

Program Intake:
If you are interested in joining a program, program intake is on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. Please arrive at the front entrance (Kentucky Avenue) to be seen by a Case Manager. Overnight Shelter:
Overnight shelter is free and available daily. For overnight shelter, arrive at the back entrance (Tennessee Avenue) for check-in at 4 p.m. You will receive dinner, a shower and clean

change of clothes, and a bed for the night. Check-out is at 6 a.m. Meal Service:
Meals are free and available daily. If you are in need of a meal, arrive at the back entrance (Tennessee Avenue) during any of our meal times. Breakfast 6:00 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. Lunch 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Dinner 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Food Pantry:
Food boxes are free and are available Tuesday’s and Friday’s from 9:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. If you are in need of a food box, arrive at the side entrance (Kentucky Avenue) during these times. Good Samaritan Free Clinic:
Our clinic serves the low-income and uninsured of Polk County. Call our clinic at 863-226-4261 or 863-687-8475 ext. 112 to see if you qualify for services. For more information on any of our services, please call our front office at 863-687-8475.

🏌️‍♀️⛳ Hope has the power to rebuild lives — and every swing can help make that possible.Join us for the Hope Fore Her C...
06/09/2026

🏌️‍♀️⛳ Hope has the power to rebuild lives — and every swing can help make that possible.

Join us for the Hope Fore Her Classic Golf Scramble benefiting the Talbot House Ministries Center for Women & Children in Winter Haven. This special event supports women and children experiencing homelessness by providing safe housing compassionate care, life-changing programs, and renewed hope for a brighter future.

At Talbot House Ministries, we believe every woman deserves the opportunity to heal, every child deserves stability, and every family deserves a chance to thrive. Your participation directly impacts mothers and children working hard to overcome crisis, rebuild their lives, and step into a future filled with dignity and purpose.

⛳️Gather your team.
⛳️Sponsor a family’s journey toward stability.
⛳️Make an impact that lasts far beyond the golf course.

📅 Friday, September 25, 2026
📍 Willowbrook Golf Course – Winter Haven, FL
⏰ Shotgun Start at 8:00 AM

Register today and help us drive hope forward:

https://givebutter.com/hope-for-her-golf-classic-2ikbj4

From the Woods to a Place Called Home: William’s JourneyAt Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland, every life matters, and ...
06/07/2026

From the Woods to a Place Called Home: William’s Journey

At Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland, every life matters, and every story reminds us why we do this work.

In August 2024, our Outreach Team met William while conducting outreach in the community. William had been living unhoused for more than three years, surviving in an encampment and facing significant barriers to stability. One of the biggest obstacles was the lack of identification documents needed to access housing and other essential services.

Over the following months, Case Manager Tawnya worked alongside William, helping him navigate a complex process to obtain the documents he needed. His out-of-state ID had expired, and obtaining a replacement required first securing a copy of his birth certificate.

What followed was a months-long journey filled with phone calls, research, determination, and hope. With guidance from community partners, including iDignity in Orlando, William attended three appointments over several months. Finally, in July 2025, after years of waiting and uncertainty, he received the document that would change everything—his birth certificate.

Soon afterward, William obtained his Florida ID and finally had the identification needed to move forward.

The next step was finding affordable housing.

Today, after many months in one of our transitional programs, William signed the lease to his very own apartment.

As he opened the box containing his apartment key, his eyes grew wide with disbelief and joy. Then he opened the door to what would become his new home. For the first time in a long time, the weight of the journey seemed to lift.

Before leaving, William turned to Tawnya and said:

“I was giving up back in November, but you told me to hang in there. Here I am. This is bigger than I ever expected. Thank you for helping me.”

Stories like William’s remind us that homelessness is not solved overnight. It takes persistence, partnerships, compassion, and people who refuse to give up on others when hope feels out of reach.

Today, William is no longer living in the woods. Today, he is home.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

Thank you to every donor, volunteer, church, partner, and supporter who helps make stories like William’s possible. Your generosity changes lives.



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Every day at Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland and the Talbot House Ministries Center for Women & Children , hope is s...
06/05/2026

Every day at Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland and the Talbot House Ministries Center for Women & Children , hope is served one meal, one family, and one life at a time.

Last year alone, more than 158,000 meals were provided to individuals and families facing homelessness, hunger, and crisis.

Behind many of those meals is a faithful partner that has walked beside us for years— Publix Supermarkets and Publix Charities.

From nourishing our hunger relief programs and providing food donations, to beautifying our facilities and investing in critical capital improvements, Publix has helped create places where dignity is restored, children feel safe, and families can begin again.

Their generosity is about more than food. It is about hope. It is about compassion. It is about ensuring that no one is forgotten during their most difficult moments.

To Publix and Publix Charities: thank you for helping us turn hunger into nourishment, uncertainty into stability, and hardship into opportunity. Because of your unwavering support, thousands of our neighbors have experienced the love, care, and hope that every person deserves.

Together, we are changing lives—one meal, one family, and one act of kindness at a time. 💚

From Homelessness to Hope: Lives Transformed Through Partnership and PurposeAt Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland and T...
06/05/2026

From Homelessness to Hope: Lives Transformed Through Partnership and Purpose

At Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland and Talbot House Ministries Center for Women & Children , we witness every day that homelessness is not simply a housing issue—it is often the result of unexpected crises, financial hardship, health challenges, family breakdown, job loss, or trauma. Behind every statistic is a person with dreams, dignity, and the potential to rebuild their life when given the right support.

Today, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: 12 individuals who once sought refuge through Talbot House Ministries programs are now living at Gospel Inc., where they have found a renewed sense of purpose through permanent housing.

These men and women arrived at Talbot House during some of the most difficult seasons of their lives. Some were sleeping in cars, others were facing medical challenges, unemployment, or the emotional toll of losing housing. Through emergency overnight housing, case management, employment assistance, healthcare services, and individualized support, they began the difficult journey toward self-sufficiency.

Today, these residents are working, pursuing educational opportunities, addressing health needs, reconnecting with family, saving money, and creating a foundation for long-term success. They are proof that when people are given the tools and support they need, they can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

As Scripture reminds us:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

At Talbot House Ministries, we remain committed to walking alongside those experiencing homelessness until they achieve lasting success. We are grateful for community partners like Gospel, Inc., whose dedication to affordable housing and supportive services helps make stories like these possible.

Every life transformed begins with a community that chooses to care.

We invite individuals, churches, civic groups, businesses, and community organizations to become part of the solution. Whether through volunteering, organizing a service project, hosting a donation drive, or scheduling a tour of our facilities, you can witness firsthand how hope is being restored every day through the love of Christ.

A simple act of kindness can help someone move from crisis to stability, from homelessness to housing, and from despair to hope.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to schedule a group tour, please contact us at [email protected]

If you would like to support our mission financially, please consider making a donation at:

https//:talbothouse.org/donate

Together, we can provide more than a handout—we can offer a hand up, empowering individuals and families to build brighter futures.

The Hidden Face of Financial Hardship: Meet ALICEMany people think homelessness, hunger, and financial instability only ...
06/01/2026

The Hidden Face of Financial Hardship: Meet ALICE

Many people think homelessness, hunger, and financial instability only affect those living below the poverty line. The reality is far different.

ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—represents millions of hardworking individuals and families who go to work every day, pay taxes, and contribute to their communities, yet still cannot afford life’s basic necessities. These are teachers, healthcare workers, retail associates, hospitality staff, first responders, childcare providers, and countless others who keep our communities running.

The problem is that traditional poverty statistics often fail to capture the true scope of financial hardship.

According to the latest ALICE data, 47% of Florida households—nearly one out of every two—live below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they either live in poverty or earn above the federal poverty level but still cannot afford housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essentials.

Nationally, the picture is equally alarming. Approximately 42% of U.S. households—about 55 million families—fall below the ALICE Threshold, revealing a hidden crisis that is far larger than official poverty statistics suggest.

The truth is that poverty data alone can be misleading. A family may earn too much to qualify for assistance, yet still face impossible choices every month:

• Rent or medication
• Childcare or groceries
• Transportation or utilities
• Healthcare or keeping the lights on

These families are often invisible in public conversations because they are working, housed, and trying to stay afloat. Yet many are only one emergency, one illness, or one missed paycheck away from crisis.

At Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland and Talbot House Ministries Center for Women & Children , we see ALICE every day.

We see the mother working two jobs while sleeping in her car with her children. We see the senior choosing between food and medication. We see veterans, families, and individuals who never imagined they would need help.

Financial hardship does not discriminate. It affects every race, age, gender, profession, and zip code.

The numbers tell a story, but behind every statistic is a person—a neighbor, coworker, friend, or family member fighting to survive in an economy where the cost of living continues to outpace wages.

This is why Talbot House Ministries remains committed to providing safe housing, healthcare, employment services, food assistance, and pathways to stability. Because everyone deserves more than survival—they deserve the opportunity to thrive.

The crisis is larger than the numbers we see. The need is greater than the statistics reveal. And together, we can make a difference.

Support Now

https//:Talbothouse.org/donate

Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland is honored to represent our community at the 2026 National Coalition for Homeless Ve...
05/27/2026

Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland is honored to represent our community at the 2026 National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Conference in Washington, DC. This distinguished national gathering brings together registered VA service providers, housing leaders, advocates, and organizations from across the country committed to ending veteran homelessness through collaboration, innovation, education, and compassionate care.

Florida is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the nation, with more than 1.3 million veterans statewide. Despite progress, thousands of veterans across Florida and Central Florida continue to experience housing instability, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and barriers to accessing stable housing and supportive services. National data shows that more than 32,000 veterans experienced homelessness across the United States during the latest Point-in-Time Count, while Florida remains among the states with one of the highest veteran homeless populations in the nation.

At Talbot House Ministries, we remain deeply committed to restoring dignity, stability, and hope for our nation’s heroes. As a federal contractor for the CERS Program since 2024, our organization proudly provides emergency transitional housing, case management, supportive services, connections to healthcare and behavioral health resources, meals, life skills support, employment assistance, and pathways toward permanent housing for veterans experiencing homelessness and crisis.

We are grateful for the leadership and dedication of Maria Cruz, CEO, and Deborah Cozzetti, Director of Programs, who are representing Talbot House and our Central Florida community and strengthening partnerships that will continue to expand opportunities and resources for veterans throughout Polk County and Central Florida.

We also extend sincere appreciation to City Commissioner Terry Coney, CASS Care, and the many dedicated support groups, advocates, faith partners, and community collaborators who continue standing alongside us in the mission to serve those who have served our nation with honor.

Together, we can ensure that no veteran is forgotten and that every individual has the opportunity to rebuild their life with dignity, purpose, and hope.

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacri...
05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice reminds us of the true cost of freedom and the importance of faith, unity, and compassion.

At Talbot House Ministries, we are deeply grateful to all who have served and continue to serve our country and communities. May we never forget the courage of our heroes and the legacy they leave behind.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
— John 15:13

Talbot House Ministries was honored to participate in the Telethon alongside an incredible group of community leaders ...
05/20/2026

Talbot House Ministries was honored to participate in the Telethon alongside an incredible group of community leaders and nonprofit partners including Ray Steadman of Gospel, Inc., Steve Turbeville of Light House Ministries, Mike Cooper of Dream Center, Steve Bissonnette of VISTE, and Tim Mitchell of Parker Street Ministries. Executive Director Maria Cruz proudly represented Talbot House Ministries during the event.

Inspired by the fun and creativity of the British show Taskmaster, the telethon brought together laughter, teamwork, and a shared commitment to serving the community. Beyond the entertainment, the evening highlighted the extraordinary impact Parker Street Ministries continues to make through youth development, family support, education, mentorship, and community transformation efforts throughout Lakeland.

Talbot House Ministries is deeply grateful for the partnership and collaboration shared with Parker Street Ministries and the many organizations working together to uplift individuals and families in need. When nonprofits unite with compassion, purpose, and vision, lives are transformed and communities grow stronger.
Thank you to Parker Street Ministries for the invitation, the meaningful work being done every day, and for creating opportunities for the community to come together in support of hope and positive change.

THANK YOU, First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, Florida! 💙✨We are incredibly grateful for your generous $16,000 donati...
05/19/2026

THANK YOU, First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, Florida! 💙✨

We are incredibly grateful for your generous $16,000 donation and your commitment to supporting Talbot House Ministries and the individuals we serve every day.

Because of community partners like you, we can continue providing hope, housing, healing, and life-changing support to those facing homelessness and mental health challenges in our community.

Your kindness and generosity will make a lasting impact in countless lives. Thank you for believing in our mission and walking alongside us as we serve others with compassion and care.

Together, we are building stronger futures and changing lives. 💛

Learn more about our mission: www.talbothouse.org
To support our work and make a donation: www.talbothouse.org/donate

Address

814 N Kentucky Avenue
Lakeland, FL
33801

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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