Lakeland nonprofit says it needs support to continue helping homeless

LAKELAND, Fla. — Imagine not knowing where your next meal will come from or where you’ll stay the night.

That’s the reality many people that are homeless face. In Lakeland, one nonprofit said the need has grown over the past year. And they need support too, so they can continue to help.

Sorting through piles of donations, it’s become an everyday thing for Michael Carrano and his team with The Cosmo Project.

It’s a nonprofit focused on providing resources to the homeless community.

Carrano founded The Cosmo Project in 2023 to give back.

“When you’re unhoused and you need clothing, nine times out of 10, you get what’s handed to you — you don’t get to pick your own clothing,” he said.

The clothing is set up on racks, along with food and hygiene products for the homeless community, which is given out to them at Munn Park in Lakeland every Sunday at 11 a.m.

But Carrano said the need has grown over the past year.

“Last year, we served about 4,000 to 5,000 people. This year, we clocked in about 6,300,” he said.

Carrano also said that several factors could be contributing to the increase in the homeless population they serve.

“Housing market is insane, food prices are high,” he said.

With the increased need, the nonprofit is also in need of more helping hands, like Oliver Lamy. He started volunteering with his parents about a year ago.

“I mostly do the smaller parts like hanging the clothes, organizing stuff, but it just feels satisfying to see them having things they need,” said Lamy.

He encourages the younger generation to go out and help. For Carrano, it’s about giving the homeless community the resources that will help them get back on their feet during a tough time.

“It is harder now to be homeless than it has ever been,” said Carrano.

The Cosmo Project said that right now, they’re most in need of men’s clothing items and volunteers.