Veronika Scott: One Woman, One Brilliant Idea
Veronika Scott is providing Detroit's homeless women with the skills to earn a paycheck.

Her inspiration:
More than 20,000 people in Detroit are homeless. Veronika Scott, 24, a product designer, wanted to help, so she created a winter coat that converts into a sleeping bag to protect the homeless from the cold. When she brought her first prototype to a local shelter, the women there were not impressed. "We don't need coats," one told her. "We need jobs."
Her big idea:
Scott quickly realized that "you need to invest in the person rather than the product," she says. She started a nonprofit, The Empowerment Plan, to provide on-the-job training for women living in Detroit-based shelters. The women learn manufacturing skills from a professional seamstress and produce Scott's coats, which are distributed to homeless populations nationwide.
Results:
Scott now employs 10 formerly homeless women who will soon be able to produce at least 600 coats a month. Next year, she plans to hire more workers and distribute as many as 8,500 coats. "I'm known as the crazy coat lady," Scott says.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
This New Beauty Brand Is Making More Accessible—And Very Stylish—Cosmetics for People with Disabilities
We put the cute and inclusive products to the test.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
How Meghan Markle Got Billie Eilish to Make One L.A. Fire Victim's Dream Come True
The Duchess of Sussex called on fans to "keep supporting those affected by the California wildfires."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Renee Rapp's Shaggy New Hairstyle Is Painfully Cool
The artist is the newest face of L'Oréal.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
'Firefly Lane' Season 2: Everything We Know
In the immortal words of Tully Hart, "Firefly Lane girls forever!"
By Andrea Park Published
-
'Bridgerton' Season 2: Everything We Know
The viscount and his new love interest hit Netflix at the end of March.
By Andrea Park Published
-
'Bachelor In Paradise' 2021: Everything We Know
It's back, baby!
By Andrea Park Published
-
'Spencer,' the Princess Diana Movie: Everything We Know
"Every fairy tale ends."
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who is Abigail Heringer From 'The Bachelor' and 'Bachelor in Paradise'?
The 25-year-old, who first appeared on Matt James' season, is a financial analyst with an inspiring backstory.
By Andrea Park Published
-
What Does "ROC" Mean at the Tokyo Olympics?
It's a temporary workaround in the aftermath of Russia's massive doping scandal.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Katie Thurston's 'Bachelorette' Cast: Every Detail We Know
Including familiar faces, several athletes, and a famous rapper's brother.
By Megan DiTrolio Published