This month, Chance was one of the first independent rappers to perform on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Now, he wants to pass his good fortune to the people of Chicago with his new project, The EMPWR coat.
The rapper has teamed up with The Empowerment Plan in Detroit and the Warmest Winter in Chicago to create heated coats for those in need.
According to The Empowerment Plan:
“The EMPWR coat is a water-resistant and self-heating jacket, which can transform into a sleeping bag, or be worn as an over-the-shoulder bag when not in use. The coat is constructed of upcycled automotive insulation, fabric from Carhartt, and other materials provided by generous donors.”
The plan is to employ the homeless population to create the coats as well, which helps solve two issues with one amazing project. Chance shared his enthusiasm about the project via Twitter.
This coat turns into a sleeping bag for homeless. Homeless are hired to make the coats. https://t.co/43Is78SKRM pic.twitter.com/RVJiAJKtvX
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) December 17, 2015
This coat is a self heating jacket, sleeping bag and creates jobs. Bring them to Chicago https://t.co/pgLTSXr7kR pic.twitter.com/ZEV3nHg1yd
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) December 18, 2015
The hope is to further the cause of the two nonprofits and establish a factory in Chicago to mass produce the coats. So far, $43,000 has been raised and 430 coats have been made. The EMPWR coat has alreay been proven to be effective in Detroit. The nonprofit reports that just 1,000 coats can save “14 lives and reduce healthcare costs by $58,800 annually.”
The sad truth is that the winter is the hardest time for the homeless and many people die from hypothermia each year. Chance the Rapper has made it his personal mission to stop this.
You can help by donating at WarmestWinter.com .
