RACINE- The lights are out and the air is off at a Racine homeless shelter. Organizers are left scrambling to find residents a place to stay.
"We have residents that are homeless right now. We have other things, programs in this facility that we have to shut down now because of the loss of electricity," explained Larry Love, Touched By an Angel Network.
The building at Douglas Avenue and Prospect Street was occupied by Love and Charity Mission for more than 50 years. The long time organizer's grandson recently took over the space with his non-profit Touched by an Angel Network. Larry Love says he's trying to pay off a $14,000 energy bill left by his grandmother.
"We still feel that we shouldn't have to inherit this bill because it's two different organizations, two different businesses," said Love.
According to state code, the former owner's outstanding balance is the new owner's responsibility, since they're family.
In a statement, We Energies says, "We make every attempt to work with customers to keep their services connected. Our extensive efforts to keep the lights on at his location have been well documented over the years. Disconnection of services for any customer is always a last resort."
"When the lights came off it became a reality," Christian Kielbasa, Touched By an Angel Network.
Organizers know the reality is without paying the bill they're helpless.
"Now we can't help the community we can't do anything with no electricity and it's hurtful it's really hurtful to see this place in the dark," said Love.
Contact Information:
262-880-8728
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