100,000th Coat Delivered: Empowerment Plan Celebrates Major Milestone in Detroit

Detroit-based workforce development nonprofit The Empowerment Plan, has officially marked a major milestone: the distribution of its 100,000th EMPWR coat, a moment that underscored more than a decade of partnership, innovation, and impact in the city.

Founded in Detroit, The Empowerment Plan is known for its EMPWR coats: garments that convert into sleeping bags for individuals experiencing homelessness; but the coats represent more than a product. They are made by Detroiters who have themselves experienced housing instability and are now employed full-time through the organization’s workforce development model. Employees receive not only wages, but access to GED programs, financial literacy training, legal assistance, mental health resources, and other wraparound services designed to support long-term stability.

Coat number 100,000 made its journey across Detroit this morning: departing from The Empowerment Plan’s east side headquarters on Kercheval Avenue to COTS Peggy’s Place on Wyoming Avenue. There, it was presented to a resident emerging from homelessness.

“This is tremendously meaningful,” said Empowerment Plan’s founder and CEO, Veronika Scott. “Our 100,000th coat is going to our longest-running partner, who for the past 16 years has worked alongside us to create pathways out of homelessness for people in Detroit.”

Since its founding, the organization’s reach has extended far beyond Detroit. EMPWR coats have been distributed in all 50 states and over 20 countries. Still, leaders emphasized the importance of keeping this milestone moment rooted where it all began.

“For the 100,000th coat, we knew we wanted to keep it home in Detroit,” said Scott. “This milestone reflects the power of investing in people and what becomes possible when we do.”

The relationship between The Empowerment Plan and COTS dates back to 2010, when Scott first began developing the coat as part of a class project and connected with the organization to better understand the realities of homelessness. Over time, that relationship evolved into a long-standing partnership, with COTS helping connect individuals and families to employment opportunities through the program.

“This is a full-circle moment,” said Cheryl P. Johnson, CEO of COTS. “From the first day Veronika came to COTS as a student to learn about the realities of homelessness and our work, to the 100,000th coat, it’s a powerful reminder of what is possible through thoughtful partnerships and positive action.”

Johnson added that the collaboration has reinforced a broader truth about addressing homelessness: stability requires more than shelter.

“Families don’t just need shelter,” said Johnson. “They need support and opportunities to succeed.”

As the coat reached its final destination at Peggy’s Place, the moment served as both a celebration and a reflection — not just of a single milestone, but of the lives impacted along the way.

For both organizations, the work continues.

“We exist to walk alongside individuals and families as they build stability, reclaim their voice, and shape their own future,” said Scott.

And in Detroit, that work — stitched into every coat — is far from finished.