Students build rainwater collection system to help shelter

MILWAUKEE –  A Milwaukee homeless shelter came up with a way to help conserve water. Now,  Milwaukee School of Engineering students are helping with the idea by building a rainwater collection system for the Guest House, a homeless shelter in Milwaukee.

The Guest House says there was a huge need for the project. The finished product will consist of one 250 gallon tank.

“It’s just like a rain barrel so they can water the plants.  There’s also a storage unit underneath where they can store things for the garden, and things like that,” MSOE student Justin Bittenbender said.

The water collected will be used to help with the Guest House garden, which provides food for the shelter.  Students say they were happy to lend a helping hand.  “I thought it was really cool idea to help a homeless shelter in a unique way that really helps out the community at the same time,” MSOE student Reid Gridley said.

The Guest House provides emergency shelter for the homeless each night.