There was a playground kitty-corner to the shelter. It was covered in clothes and tarps, and one of the play structures was used as a home for two people. I took a picture of it with my cell phone, and a week later it was completely torn apart and burned to the ground in a turf war. That was a pivotal point for me. I asked, “Why would you put yourself at such risk to create something being offered for free 20 feet away?” I started to understand that it wasn’t just about people trying to meet physical needs: there are a lot of places that provide the physical needs of shelter, food, and warmth, but they don’t meet the emotional needs of independence and self-reliance. People want to be able take care of themselves, and they’ll do whatever they can to do that. That is what first inspired the coat.
Veronika Scott, CEO + Founder of The Empowerment Plan
Read the full interview here. Also featured in the GOOD 100 last year.
