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Figure 42
Based in Detroit, The Empowerment Plan strives to prevent families falling into the trap of homelessness. Their work force are built up of a team of single parents who where part of local shelters. Hiring locals and training these individuals to become seamstresses with the aim of offering them full-time work; therefore, providing these individuals with a stable income which can allow them to regain their confidence and independence. Since 2012 CEO, Veronica Scott has been able to provide 50 homeless individuals with jobs; figure 42 explains how this project has changed the course of her life forever. As part of helping out the Detroit homeless community, The Empowerment Plan also helps these individuals find housing and provides childcare needs where needed.
Figure 43
The Empowerment Plan manufactures the durable EMPWR coat which have multiple purposes. In the day this product is a warm coat, at night the coat turns into a sleeping bag and when the product is not needed it can turn into an over-the-shoulder bag (shown in figure 43). So far they have been able to distribute an amazing 25,000 coats around the world, in figure 41 it shows how the product is packaged ready for distribution and figure 40 shows the countries they have been able provided coats to. The company is mostly supported by donations from foundations, large corporation and private individuals who want to help prevent homelessness. It is inspiring what people are doing to help their communities and is refreshing to see innovations that have been produced solely with the aim to help those in need. It costs $125 to sponsor a coat which can be funded through their website.
Figure 41
Figure 40
To construct the coat the company uses durable, water resistant Cordura fabric derived from Carhartt, up-cycled automotive insulation that is generously donated by General Motors and other materials donated by others. This idea of making a long-lasting product produced by up-cycled materials is definitely a great way to help the environment and is a factor I believe the fashion industry needs to focus on more. Reading the story behind this plan has touched me, it is a joy to see what others are doing to help people in need whilst also keeping green and making well-made clothes that last.
Homelessness should not be a life sentence – CEO, Veronica Scott
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