A New Orleans shelter for unwed teenage mothers says it may be forced to shut down because of a pile of debt from Katrina, and a recent drop in donations because of the economy.

It is a dire sign of the times: the economy's turned sour, and many people have slashed their budgets to survive, leaving no extra money for charitable donations.

That realization could be the final blow to Liberty House, which is the only shelter of its kind in New Orleans for homeless, unwed mothers, like 22-year old Michaela Collins.

"If there were no Liberty House I would probably be on the street right now, because there is nobody else to take me and my son in right now," said Collins.

The shelter feeds, clothes and houses young mothers and their children for up to 24 months. Assistant Director Lisa White says they have a high success rate, and a long waiting list.

"When they come here we teach them parenting skills, how to go back to school, get educated, gain employment, how to dress and look for and interview, all the skill sets they need to become productive citizens," said White.

Since Katrina, bills have mounted from month to month and Liberty House has struggled financially, surviving solely on an annual capital match grant and community donations.

But now, those donations are nonexistent because of the economy. The $203,000 grant covers only a third of the more than $600,000 in annual expenses at Liberty House.

"We are in a crisis. An extreme crisis where we could be shut down at any given time now," White said.

White said they now rely mostly on volunteers, because they could no longer pay most employees. They cut some of their parenting classes, because they can't pay their bills.

"$22,000 is our light bill. $10,000 is our water bill. That is where we are right now," said White.

"It would be terrible to shut down Liberty House and we are at a point where that is what is about to happen if we do not get the help. We are crying out to community, churches, anyone with an ear that we need help here," she said.