After years of caring for the community's homeless, a local shelter needs help



RACINE -- After years of caring for the community's homeless, a local shelter is in need of help. And if it doesn't get it soon, it'll be forced to turn off the lights.

Louise Hunter



Louise Hunter's nickname best sums up how she's spent her life: "Everybody calls me Mother Hunter."

That's a title she's earned many times over. She raised her own 21 children and somehow still found the time and energy to start the Love and Charity Homeless Shelter and Mission. She's spent the last few decades mothering those who wander through her doors.

"I found something that will satisfy my mind and help me raise those kids," said Louise Hunter.

When her youngest child finished high school, Hunter moved into the shelter herself. She watches over the 15 to 20 homeless people who stay at the shelter each night, just like a mother would. And she makes sure they get plenty to eat.

"I'm not talking about stale food, I said good food," said Hunter.

Love and Charity Homeless Shelter and Mission



She also packages up food baskets to give out to anyone in need.

" pays for the food out of her Social Security check or donations that she gets from the community," said volunteer Marianne Goodwin

But the shelter is now in trouble. Donations are down this year and it costs about $2,000 a month for gas and electricity. They've been given several payment extensions, but the bill is now at $14,000.

Love and Charity Homeless Shelter and Mission



"Presently they want $14,000 to keep the lights and gas running," said Goodwin.

They're hoping the community will step up and help so that this shelter can continue to be a home for those who don't have one.

"You find the peace, you find the joy in this place because God gave it to me," said Hunter.

If you want to help the Love and Charity Homeless Shelter and Mission, you can make a donation at Tri City National Bank locations.

A GoFundMe.com account has also been created, if you would like to make a donation online.