POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Florida's homeless population has grown worse since the pandemic and the results can be seen across the state.

Times have been really tough for a lot of people, which can make it much harder to have the will to give. But in Polk County, there are still people and organizations that are doing everything they can to help others.

Talbot House is a ministry and a safe place for less fortunate people who need a little help finding their way. 

“We get people who are literally coming right off the street, to know there’s a community out there that’s willing to feed them and take care of them," said Rob Terry Kitchen Supervisor Assistant of the Talbot House. “We help people get birth certificates, social security cards, drivers licenses and jobs to help them get back on their feet.”

Those services come with a hot meal and a place to live — something that Terry said local organizations around the county help with.

“We take care of as many people as we can. We don’t turn anyone away. It’s a huge blessing that the community supports up," he said.

Residents who struggling and found help with the ministry are showing their appreciation. Kelly Grozier said that Talbot House not only changed her life, they helped to save it.

“I found out what divine intervention was. I left Brandon Hospital with no money, my gas light was on, I didn’t know how I was going to get here," she said.

Grozier said she was admitted to Brandon Hospital after trying to take her own life. Then, with the last of her resources, she made it to the Talbot House — a decision she's encouraging others in need to make for themselves. 

“You have to want the help," Grozier said. "Take it one day at a time.”

Grozier now serves as an employee for the Talbot House, helping others who were in the same postition as she was.