Growing up, Veronika Scott’s parents struggled with unemployment and addiction.
This tension brewed stress and anger that was exacerbated by each eviction notice and move from place to place.
Scott told SELF she spent much of her life running away from her background.
Brian Kelly Photography
Scott’s mission through her company,The Empowerment Plan, is simple: help homeless people.
And her approach is two-fold.
Scott first began volunteering at homeless shelters in college, because she said she felt comfortable there.
Veronika Scott
“I spent my life living someone else’s rock bottom,” Scott said.
“My parents are very intelligent, hardworking people, and I’m very proud of them.
So if they could get there, it could happen to anybody.”
The two people living in the tent survived the incident, but Scott was intrigued by their decision.
“Why would you take a stab at build something when someone can give you that for free?
It comes down to pride, independence, and wanting to take care of yourself.
People want to take care of their day-to-day needs.”
Scott was determined to make something that would help homeless people without labeling them as “other.”
It looks like any other jacket," Scott said.
“We’re not here to create a homeless uniform.”
Scott and the rest of The Empowerment Plan team constantly change the coat’s colors to further this aim.
So far, The Empowerment Plan has distributed 15,000 EMPWR coats in four years.
But these accomplishments don’t compare to the work Scott has been able to spearhead within her organization.
“No one was going into shelters and hiring people from the outside.
That’s the one thing that will never change in our business model.
There’s no recidivism back, even if they get laid off.”
“That’s my favorite part of the job.
At the end of the day, I’m responsible for making sure they’re happy.”
“The best way I can describe my work is it is utterly surreal.
The fact that I get to have an impact at all is the greatest thing in the whole world.
The Empowerment Plan can produce 5,000 coats on a budget of $500,000.
you might donate to The Empowerment Plan on the company’s website.
If you know someone in need of a coat, you canrequest one here.
