LAKELAND, Fla. — The homeless coalition of Polk County reports a growing population of people experiencing homelessness in the county.

Shelters tell Spectrum News they're having to turn people away because there aren't enough beds, but a new $20 million development in Lakeland hopes to change that.

What You Need To Know

  •  The homeless population in Polk County is growing

  •  A developer is planning to come in and expand the shelter

  •  A former resident turned employee shares their story

Lakeland city commissioners just approved a 60 unit, multi-family complex for those who are at risk of being homeless or who have been homeless in the past.

The idea came from a developer out of South Florida who said he plans to have the loft style units look just like market rate apartments.

The resource would help many that are looking for permanent housing at crowded shelters.

“We have had to turn some people away,” said Steve Turbeville, the President of Lighthouse Ministries. “We have a large facility here and we are growing, but we only have so many beds.”

Lighthouse Ministries is a well-known homeless shelter in Lakeland. They house people who are homeless, but people who have received their services say the Lighthouse does much more.

“They helped me change my entire life around,” said Paul Vess. “17 months ago I was homeless, living out of my car, addicted to drugs and alcohol. I couldn’t get out of it. Got to the point where my addiction robbed me of everything.”

Paul Vess works for Lighthouse Ministries, but it didn’t start that way.

“I was walking down the road with two pairs of basketball shorts on and someone wanted to help me,” said Vess. “They took me in, clothed me and brought me to lighthouse ministries the next day.”

Vess is now working on saving enough money to move into permanent housing.

“That’s my main priority right now,” he said.

“You can’t just jump into things, you have to take steps,” said Vess. “My next step here at lighthouse ministries is saving enough money to get housing for me and my children.”

At Lighthouse Ministries, they provide residents with the option to work on the property and save up to $5,000 before they assist with finding them permanent housing.

There is no ground-breaking date for the affordable housing complex yet, but the developer has a steady plan.