Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Empowerment Plan Coats topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Nonprofit demonstrates convertible coat for people experiencing homelessness, asks Washtenaw commissioners for funding
Summary
The Empowerment Plan showed a coat that converts into a sleeping bag, described production with shelter-employed workers and wraparound services, and asked the county for funding to supply roughly 500 coats to local partners at about $50 each.
Representatives of the Empowerment Plan demonstrated a coat that unrolls into a sleeping bag and described a social-enterprise model that employs people exiting shelters while providing on-the-job wraparound services.
Veronica Scott, representing the Empowerment Plan, said the nonprofit employs people from shelters in Detroit to manufacture coats that convert into sleeping bags and that approximately 60% of employees' paid hours are spent manufacturing while the other 40% support GED, financial coaching and mental-health wraparound services.
Presenter Lauren Nill described product features: a 600-denier cordura shell with water-resistant treatment, heavy-duty buckles and Velcro, deep pockets, a detachable footbag that becomes a sleeping bag, and built-in handles so users can carry personal items securely during transitions. The organization ships coats to local partner agencies and noted existing partnerships in Washtenaw County, including the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, Wolverine Street Medicine and SOS Community Services.
The presenters said local partners estimated they could use up to 500 coats annually and asked commissioners to consider funding support for distribution in Washtenaw County. When commissioners asked about price, presenters confirmed a $50 per-coat price in the discussion.
Commissioners praised the product and asked about eligibility rules; presenters said distribution decisions are left to partner agencies so coats go to people identified as most in need. County staff thanked presenters and noted a history of supporting similar initiatives in neighboring counties.
No formal county appropriation for the coats was recorded at the meeting; the presentation served to inform commissioners and solicit follow-up conversations about potential funding and distribution partners.
