Mother's Sharebook 

Mother Waddles: Helping the Homeless in Detroit, Michigan

Charleszetta Waddles, also known as “Mother Waddles” provided food, hope and human dignity to the homeless of Detroit, Michigan for nearly four decades. Charleszetta was the founder, director and spiritual leader of the Mother Waddles Perpetual Mission. The nonprofit organization is run by volunteers and dependent on private donations such as clothing, cars and food.

Mother Waddles wanted to show the public of how important it is to practice what you preach. She commented that the Bible did not just say go to church. It said we need to also help others in need, whether that might be giving away food or just listening to someone. She felt that every one of us has a unique gift from God to share. Waddles worked 12 hour days even when she was 80 years old to help others.

Charleszetta Waddles was a mother of ten children. Her committed dedication earned her the slogan “One woman war on poverty”.  At the age of 36, she would grab a grocery cart and go down the streets collecting food from local businesses to help the homeless of Detroit. The donations she collected were enough to feed families in need for eight weeks.

Charleszetta began to study the Scriptures and with the help of her husband, Payton, she opened the Helping Hands restaurant and established the Perpetual Mission in 1956.

Mother Waddles has inspired many to help the less fortunate of Detroit Michigan. Mother Waddles is well known across the Michigan area as a dedicated person that never hesitated to help ones in need. In fact, she would help others get back on their feet even when she was struggling to survive.

Sadly, Charleszetta passed away in the year of 2001. However, her family and friends continue to share her goals and beliefs with the community. Mother Waddles has become a legend in the community and this is just the beginning. With the current state of our economy, the mission of Mother Waddles has never been more important. No one deserves to live on the cold and lonely streets of Detroit. With the help of the Mother Waddles organization, the homeless are able to find shelter and food to survive. Her spirit will always remind us to never forget our fellow man!