Tuesday, August 23, 2011 Everyday Heroes
"The only important thing about design is how it relates to people."
— Victor Papanek

A 21-Year-Old's Solution to Homelessness

A 21-Year-Old's Solution to Homelessness
As a design student in Detroit, Veronika Scott was keenly aware of the increasing numbers of homeless people suffering deeply during the relentless winters. At the tender age of 21, she created The Detroit Empowerment Plan to provide much-needed warmth to the city's 20,000 street dwellers. Scott is the creator of Element S, a coat that is self-heated, waterproof, and transforms into a sleeping bag at night. It is made by a group of homeless women who are paid, fed and housed while creating these coats made for those living on the streets. This Fast Company interview shares more.

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