LAKELAND — The coldest temperatures of 2021 are driving more homeless to shelters this week.
"We've actually already seen an increase in guests," said Erin Martinez, director of development for Talbot House Ministries. "Anytime the weather dips, we have an increase in guests."
Joseph Washington, director of the men's rescue center at Lighthouse Ministries, said the organization anticipated increased numbers throughout the week but especially Tuesday night because of the steep temperature drop. It had two extra guests Monday night.
The rest of the week in Lakeland is expected to be cold with temperatures not warming up to the 70s again until Friday. But Tuesday and Wednesday were projected to be the coldest, both with lows of 36 degrees.