Lakeland is a generous community filled with people looking to help others. We’ve put together an easy guide for how you can be more knowledgeable about homeless services in Lakeland and how to help.
Salvation Army
Services
- Immediate private housing for families
- Transitional housing for up to two years for families that qualify
- Meals and childcare for children
- Resources for adults trying to find jobs and get established
- The Salvation Army Center of Hope moved a few years ago to help expand their services to the community. They used to be located downtown in the area that now houses The Collective at Mass Market and what used to be Your Pro Kitchen. They now reside on 49 acres in north Lakeland off of Kathleen Road.
The impressive facilities help families and individuals with immediate housing needs that are often beyond their control. Those that qualify stay in private, fully furnished rooms and can stay for up to two years in their fully furnished houses if they meet the Salvation Army’s requirements. Even if they don’t stay for the full two years, families are guaranteed at least two weeks to help get them back on their feet.
At the Salvation Army, children receive two full meals each day and have access to their childcare center, and adults have access to laundry, computers, and any other resources they might need to get back on their feet.
The Salvation Army hopes to help at least 25 families a year in their long-term program and 120 families a year through their short-term programs.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The Salvation Army has multiple ways you can serve and help. You can sign up to work with children and families through class time and mentoring, prepare welcome kits for new families, put together activities for children, and help with specific tasks that help them reach the homeless.
For more information about how you can volunteer at the Lakeland branch of the Salvation Army, you can visit their website at salvationarmyflorida.org/Lakeland
One way we can all be a help is by learning to approach the homeless differently.