GE Healthcare Employees Donate Water to Homeless in Heat Wave

Waukesha’s homeless are getting an extra hand up in this heat wave, thanks to a donation drive by the employees at GE Healthcare.

The employees have been collecting items for the homeless since Tuesday and will continue the drive at work Friday, said Cathy Malkani, development director for the Hebron House of Hospitality.

The employees have collected more than 20 cases of bottled water and 10 fans for the homeless. The free, cold water can be picked up from the Waukesha Public Library.

“It was provided there to reach homeless that are seeking shelter from the warm weather,” Malkani said in an e-mail.

The water is also available at its shelters at 812 N. East Ave. and at 143 N. Eighth Ave.

The donation from GE Healthcare is a preventative measure that will help to keep the homeless from the area hospitals, said Malkani during a phone interview.

“When it gets hot like this, so many people have medical issues and the emergency rooms just become flooded with homeless people because they get overheated,” she said.

The Hebron House of Hospitality operates a seasonal homeless shelter on Northview Road during the winter months to protect those seeking protection from the harsh elements. They are unable to open the shelter up during the heat wave, despite the dangerous conditions.

“Our shelters are insanely busy,” said Malkani, adding that Hebron House of Hospitality could use about 300 more beds.

“There is just non-stop calls and drop-bys all the time,” she said. “We need more, we really do.”