Now’s the time to get one of the first Maxwell Coats brought to you by The Empowerment Plan.

Maxwell Detroit was launched within Empowerment Plan and is introducing its coats to the public for the first time.

Started by Veronika Scott in 2012, The Empowerment Plan manufactures a coat for the homeless community that can transform into a sleeping bag at night or an over-the-shoulder bag when not in use. It hires single parents from local shelters and provides them with training and full-time employment as seamstresses so they can earn a stable income, find secure housing, and regain their independence.

Now Scott and her team are introducing two new coats to the public and you can get one in time for the holidays. That same highly skilled cut-and-sew team will make your coat. These are people who have faced some of life’s toughest challenges, yet they have persevered and become stronger.

“When you put your coat on, you are wearing the story of someone who understands what hard work means,” says The Empowerment Plan.

Only 250 are available in the beta launch so it’s a good idea to get your order in. All proceeds will support The Empowerment Plan in creating and sustaining employment opportunities for those in need.

Orders will begin to ship on Monday, December 11 and must be placed by Friday, December 15. You will receive your coat by December 22. All proceeds will support Empowerment Plan in creating and sustaining employment opportunities for those in need.

Before we tell you more about the coats, let’s look at why the website says they are called Maxwell.

Annis Maxwell was the “den mother” at The Empowerment Plan. She was the one who made sure everything was going to be alright. On her way home one day in 2014 she collapsed and died from a heart attack. At her funeral her son got up to speak.

“Thank you Empowerment Plan. I’ve gotten to know my mom more in the last three years than I did her entire life. You gave my daughter her grandmother back,” he said.

Before coming to The Empowerment Plan, Maxwell was homeless, sleeping on the streets. After coming there, she was able to leave a house, a car, and a whole legacy behind for her family.

”Every day, Annis reminds us that it’s never too late to live the life you deserve. Her legacy lives on within Maxwell Detroit,” The Empowerment Plan says.

Here are the details of the coats named after her.

The Reggie

• Cost: $375
• Colors: Black or camo
• Runs true to size with room for layering
• Has a detachable quilted hood
• Features two large interior chest pockets and two large ergonomically placed exterior side pocket
• Drawstring on the insides of the jacket provides additional customizability of fit
• Raglan sleeves allow wider degree of motion for your arms and room for layering
• Provides a unique hands-free coat carry system with heavy duty HK metal clip and D ring, allowing the ability to carry the jacket like a shoulder or sling bag

The Blakely

• Cost: $375
• Colors: Black or camo
• Runs true to size with room for layering
• Has a detachable quilted hood
• Features two large interior chest pockets and two large ergonomically placed exterior side pocket
• Drawstring on the insides of the jacket provides additional customizability of fit
• Raglan sleeves allow wider degree of motion for arms and room for layering
• Provides a unique hands-free coat carry system with heavy duty HK metal clip and D ring, allowing the ability to carry the jacket like a shoulder or sling bag

The Unisex Sleep Coat

• Cost: $400
• Colors: Black or camo
• Uses: Outdoor and sporting activities
• Runs large for sleeping bag use
• Has detachable quilted hood
• Features two large interior chest pockets and two large ergonomically placed exterior side pocket
• Drawstring on the insides of the jacket provides additional customizability of fit
• Raglan sleeves allow wider degree of motion for your arms and room for layering
• Provides a unique hands-free coat carry system with heavy duty HK metal clip and D ring, allowing the ability to carry the jacket like a shoulder or sling bag
• Includes detachable footbag that uses velcro and snaps to be separated when not in use or folded and attached to the back of the coat from inside
• Footbag incorporates a webbing handle which could be used as a handbag
• All sizes fit up to 6’5″

If you’d like to see the coats in person and try one on, you can go to one of the Empowerment Plan’s upcoming pop-up shops.

Ponyride Holiday Market

1401 Vermont St. Detroit

Friday, December 8 from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday, December 9 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.  

Royal Oak Mitten Market

316 E 11 Mile Rd. Royal Oak

Friday, December 15 from 3 p.m. 11 p.m.

Enter MW2017 at checkout for a $125 discount per coat.

Click here to order.

  help for homeless in Detroit, jobs for homeless in Detroit, Maxwell Coats, The Empowerment Plan, Veronika Scott