Veronika Scott, a junior at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, has embarked on a quest to help over 32,000 homeless Detroiters by providing them with something basic, but much needed: a winter coat. The problem of the immense number of homeless is exacerbated by the lack of funding for proper shelters, leaving half of them out in the cold. As Scott points out, "for those who have no home, their coat is also their shelter," so rather than just clothe those in need, she's developed a hybrid shelter and garment—the coat turns into a sleeping bag, using body heat captured during the day to provide extra warmth at night.
The Element S coat is made from Tyvek and wool, simple enough to be made by first time sewers, and, in fact, designed to be. Scott hopes the production of these coats will teach people new skills, help them find employment, and inspire a sense of pride.
Read more and follow her progress here.
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Comments
Have you considered making this a national movement?
Is there a direct contact method to you?
Cheers - Rick
The website is http://www.empowermentplan.org/
Keep up the good work and God bless.
Much love from Jakarta - Indonesia
PS: To K.Russel: Love your comment: "THIS is why people go to college....to change the world".
Best,
Cara
Heard on NPR that to come up with the design, you spent a lot of hours with people who are homeless to understand them and understand their needs. Can you pls comment / share info on that?
Thanks
beyond ur immediate area..I live in Seattle and use tyvek as a building wrap, but u know there is home-less-ness here as well..
I work outdoors in rainy cold weather, not much snow, tho..
Good warm clothing makes all the difference..u inspire me ;-)
may I help?
I live in Austin and would love to start up a team as well! Would you like to exchange information? :)
How does a homeless person with few resources keep both sides of the coat clean enough? Not knocking a great idea - just wondering if you have the answer.