It all started with a college project in an industrial design class. I envisioned a coat that could convert into a sleeping bag on cold Detroit nights, for people who didn't have a place to stay. The idea was inspired by my own upbringing as a kid growing up in poverty.

After turning in the project, I knew I had to actually produce a handful of sleeping bag coats. I couldn’t let down the unhoused individuals who provided design feedback and were wondering when they would receive their coat. One day, as I proudly handed a coat to a woman living on the street, she told me, "Thanks, but I don't need a coat. I need a job." That comment inspired me to turn this into something more, and that’s when Empowerment Plan was born.

Now, we employ dozens of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness at our Detroit facility. In addition to manufacturing the coats, employees receive on-site wraparound services to address workplace and basic needs barriers. The coats our team makes are shipped to all 50 U.S. states and 22 countries across the globe. The incredible people who work for us are able to transition out of homelessness and develop the skills they need to achieve stability and long-term employment beyond our program. This year, we will ship our 100,000th coat. And we're just getting started.