Though it may not seem like it, there are many ongoing projects to fix homelessness and poverty both in and out of the city of Detroit. With huge charities such as Heart to Heart Detroit, Mitch Albom Charities and more, Detroit's needy population is being carefully treated with dignity and hope. Take a peak below to see two of Detroit's projects that have made the best impacts.
Veronika Scott:
Veronika Scott was just an art student when one of her professors challenged her to design something to "fill a need" in Detroit. Soon, her product became much more than that and lead to massive nation and world-wide distributions. In 2010, Veronika took her street-inspired idea, and successfully created a fully insulated, waterproof jacket that converts into a sleeping bag and knapsack. She called it the EMPWR coat.
Veronika Scott was just an art student when one of her professors challenged her to design something to "fill a need" in Detroit. Soon, her product became much more than that and lead to massive nation and world-wide distributions. In 2010, Veronika took her street-inspired idea, and successfully created a fully insulated, waterproof jacket that converts into a sleeping bag and knapsack. She called it the EMPWR coat.
Veronika may have saved many lives, but her impressive work and generosity doesn't stop there. Today, she specifically employs homeless individuals from local shelters, who are parents, to help manufacture these coats. With her help, employees can earn income, while they study for their GED, take financial literacy classes or participate in leadership development. Veronika says that, "Growing up, both my parents struggled with unemployment and addiction... I wanted to create an opportunity that I wish my parents had when I was a kid." Since 2012, over 15,000 free coats have been distributed, and Veronika couldn't be happier to contribute to a city that holds a lot of meaning to her.
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Veronika Scott- The Empowerment Plan:
Tiny Homes for the Needy
"A local organization hopes that building tiny houses will have a big impact for low-income Detroiters."
Thanks to a local nonprofit organization called the Cass Community Social Services, an entire neighborhood of tiny houses is under construction. This Detroit-based organization is dedicated to providing food, housing, health services, and job programs for those in need. Tenants, who include not only formerly homeless people, but also college students and the elderly, start by signing a one-year lease with a rent that amounts to no more than one third of their monthly income, meaning they pay according to what they can afford. After seven years, residents are legally given the opportunity to own the house, which is the Cass Community's primary goal. Executive director of Cass, Faith Fowler explains, "Everybody is talking right now about ending homelessness, but really the goal for this project is to end poverty for these families." Along with the hopes of creating home ownership, the agency also aims to upgrade the poor area filled with abandoned homes and vacant lots; and create energy-efficient living spaces that will reduce our carbon footprint.
Revitalizing Detroit- Cass Community Social Services: