Shelter is one of the most basic needs, and often, it’s assumed. But for a few people, that need is what they spend all day thinking about.

That’s a problem that some art and design students at UW-Stout are looking to change through their creativity. In fact, what started as a class project will soon help homeless people living in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

"The concerns of part of the community that normally gets ignored is once really getting the attention they deserve,” UW-Stout junior April Russow said.

Art and Design Professor Ben Pratt says two different homeless shelters designed by his students recently caught the eye of the Saint Paul-based non-profit group, People Inc.

"They really loved the designs,” Pratt said.

So much in fact, Pratt says eight of his students are now mass producing 50 of the shelters, which can be made for under $10.

"As a designer I've seen my products go into stores and on the shelves and that sort of thing. But this is, to me, a more real impact. We're making a real, tangible impact."

Pratt says the shelters are ideal for the homeless population because they're portable and lightweight. Plus, he says they meet the basic needs of protection from the elements, warmth and privacy.

"I understand there are at least 1,500 people that get turned away, that there's not room for in shelters in the cities every night, let along everywhere else,” Pratt said.

But for Russow, this project is about more than just the shelter. It’s about helping the homeless when they need it most.

"Just because they don't have shelter does not mean that they are not an important part of the community,” Russow said.

Professor Pratt says he wants to continue this shelter-making project beyond the first 50 units.

If you’d like to donate, you can contact him via e-mail at prattb@uwstout.edu.