We have all needed a little help from our community whether it is a shoulder to cry on or a place to stay. There are some helpful resources locally that can really take the edge off for those who need it. If you are a victim of domestic violence there are several shelters throughout the state of Florida that can provide assistance. They are spread out across the state, but for some women, getting as far away as possible is the best option. If you are in need of resources that are not on this list please give one of these organizations a call for further assistance.
Metropolitan Ministries
You may have heard the name before but have you seen their new transitional housing unit located in Tampa? It is called Miracle Place and offers 52 rooms to families with shared communal spaces, counseling, childcare, classes, and even education. They also have an emergency shelter equipped with 48 rooms for single people needing a safe place. Metropolitan Ministries is located in The Heights neighborhood of Tampa at 2301 North Tampa Street 33602 they can be reached at (813)209-1000. Even more exciting is the development of transitional housing in Pasco County. They have already established an outreach center located at 3214 U.S. Highway 19 Holiday Florida 34691 and they can be reached at (727)937-3268. The Metropolitan Ministries offers culinary arts education, adult G.E.D. classes, marriage counseling, family trauma counseling for families faced with homelessness, and anger management workshops. If you are part of their program then they assist you with childcare and financial security classes. They even provide hot meals around the bay area, the locations change so please give your closest outreach center a call to learn where the meals are distributed. They plan on expanding their services to Polk County with emergency shelters and hot meals, so stay tuned for more information.
Good Samaritan Inn is a historic site with plenty of space available to those in need, albeit not for free but they offer “bunk” rooms for a very low price. There are 4 rooms for men (sleeps 4-6 per room) and 2 rooms for ladies (sleeping 4 per room). The average cost is only $12.32 per night for a shared bunk room with a shared bathroom. The other option is $13.40 per night with a private bathroom. This is a unique landmark in the history of Tampa as it was once a children’s home. The beautiful building is located at 3302 N. Florida Avenue Tampa Fl. 33603 and can be reached by phone at (813)224-9722.
Domestic Violence Resources
C.A.S.A. is located in beautiful St. Petersburg Florida, they are for women and children escaping domestic violence. C.A.S.A. also has available resources to help you with independent living, transitional housing and employment opportunities. C.A.S.A. can be reached 24 hours a day 7 days a week at (727)-895-4912. Winter Haven has the Salvation Army shelter which can be reached at 863-291-5109 and the Lakeland Salvation Army which can be reached at 863-682-8179. The Women’s Shelter in Bartow is a safe place for women and children their number is 863-534-3844 as well as the Talbot House in Lakeland 863-687-8475.
On the east coast of Florida is a non-profit victim’s shelter for men and women. The Precious Hearts Foundation is located in Flagler Beach for men who are victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, as well as substance abuse victims. The Precious Hearts Foundation also has a location on the Palm Coast designated strictly for women and children victims of domestic violence and homelessness. The Palm Coast location also focuses on transitional housing, crisis intervention, and support groups. They can be contacted at their helpline 1-877-731-2210 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Food and Clothing Resources
Angel Food Ministry:
- Bartow (863)533-0007
- Davenport (863)422-3568
- Frostproof (863)635-9120
- Haines City (863)422-0107
- Lakeland (863)859-3577
- Wauchula (863)773-5794
Lighthouse Ministries provide Food Assistance Vouchers, clothing and furniture (863)683-8182
The Housing Authority has several numbers in Polk County; Bartow (863) 533-6311, Haines City (863) 421-3680, Lake Wales (863) 676-7414, Lakeland (863) 676-7414 and Winter Haven at (863) 294-7369.
Mental Health Resources
For mental health and counseling services, there is the Catholic Charities in Lakeland (863) 686-7153. Tri-County Human Services is available to help to recover substance abusers and abuse victims by calling them at (863)709-9392. The Sweet Center serves Winter Haven residents with walk-in counseling sessions and crisis support located at 1201 1st South Winter Haven- they can be reached at (863)293-1121. The Peace River Center located in Bartow, Lakeland, Sebring, and Wauchula is available for free and subsidized mental health counseling as well as recovery programs. They offer rape crisis intervention, domestic violence recovery, outpatient mental health service, psychiatric referrals, and substance abuse counseling. The outpatient counseling appointment line can be reached at (863)248-3311. The outpatient services number for more information on their resources and more is 1-800-305-6780.
For kids needing enrichment with school engagement and home life counseling:
For parents of children (ages 6 to 17 years old) who are skipping school, facing truancy or frequently suspended at school you can call the Youth and Family Alternatives Organization where they can set up a case management system with the guardians to provide assistance in these behaviors. This program can also refer your family out for therapy, please call them at (863)499-2430.
