Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE began in early 2021, founded by a group of 14 dedicated volunteers in Milwaukee who shared a deep passion for feline welfare. Motivated by their experiences in other shelters and the desire to create a more inclusive and compassionate environment for cats, they established a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to providing a safe haven for all cats until they find their forever homes .

Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE was still organizing behind the scenes when they received a call from Nancy Duwe, who would later become the organization’s president. Nancy had discovered a cat—later named Cricket—trapped in her backyard and reached out for help. Though the rescue wasn’t fully operational yet, the volunteers were inspired to take action. Cricket became their first official rescue

Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE began by fostering cats and eventually secured our current location in the fall of 2022. Following some minor renovations, we officially opened our doors to the public in early 2023.

Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE is a free-roam, cage-free cat shelter. Their facility at 925 E. Ogden Avenue (in Milwaukee) is designed to emulate a home-like environment, reducing stress and allowing cats to express their natural behaviors. This approach not only aids in the cats' socialization but also facilitates smoother transitions into adoptive homes

The organization emphasizes a "fear-free" philosophy, focusing on recognizing and alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress in cats. They are committed to caring for all cats, including those with medical or behavioral challenges, and often take in cats from other shelters where they might face euthanasia due to such issues.

Entirely volunteer-run, Almost Home Cat Rescue MKE relies on community support through donations, fostering, and volunteering. Their mission extends beyond sheltering cats; they aim to be a resource for the community, providing education and support to cat owners and enthusiasts alike