Local non-profit helps protect homeless population amid cold front

LAKELAND, Fla. — As colder temperatures roll into the region this weekend, one organization is working to protect Polk County’s most vulnerable residents.

If you ask Michael Carrano, keeping warm is a necessity — not a luxury.

“We think it’s important we show empathy and compassion toward our neighbors. The unhoused people of Lakeland are citizens. They deserve to be treated like human beings,” he said.

Carrano has held on to that philosophy since starting the Cosmo Project in 2023. The nonprofit provides clothing and resources to Lakeland’s homeless population. This time is no different, as Spectrum Bay News 9 weather experts say the city could see temperatures in the low 20s Sunday morning.

“We do this every single week. We’ve been doing this every single week for three years,” Carrano said. “But when the temperatures drop that low, we start making posts on Facebook, collaborating with the Homeless Coalition and other organizations, and doing outreach at night.”

Carrano said he and volunteers plan to hand out items such as sweaters, coats and blankets to as many people as possible. Right now, donations are being collected and sorted at volunteers’ homes.

“The kids come, they help, and we all get together and do it as a team,” volunteer, Brittany Lamy said.

Carrano said his team could not do this without the help of community members. Each one, he said, understands a simple truth.

“We’ve been privileged more than they have, and it’s our responsibility to show compassion and help people who aren’t in the same situation,” he said.

Volunteers plan to distribute donations Sunday at 10 a.m. at Munn Park in downtown Lakeland. For more information on how to help, visit the Cosmo Project’s website.