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Detroit nonprofit makes coats that double as sleeping bags for the homeless

Posted at 4:35 PM, Nov 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-01 18:25:55-04

A nonprofit organization on Detroit's east side is committed to helping those in need and creating jobs here in the Motor City.

The Empowerment Plan began in 2012 as a simple idea to help people who are homeless. Six years later, the nonprofit has its own 21,000 square-foot facility in West Village. 

And employs a staff of nearly 40 people, some of which were once on the streets.

The organization makes coats that double as sleeping bags to keep those without shelter warm in the winter months. 

According to founder Veronika Scott, the Empowerment Plan has helped more than 30,000 people in need thanks to donations from sponsors including GM and the Detroit Lions. 

“We’re paying individuals to go get their GED, financial literacy, domestic violence support, we’re focused on ending the generational cycle of poverty thru employment.”

Just this week, an E-commerce company joined in to help the Detroit nonprofit ship their coats to nearly 20 countries and all 50 states. 

To find out more about the Empowerment Plan, click here.