Mile 2: Detroit
Proudly and very intentionally, I walked Mile 2 in my hometown of Detroit.
Poverty in the United States is often associated with homelessness, yet it is surprising how much of us understand the experience of actually becoming homeless. So, on a cold winter day in Detroit, I walked with Ebonie.
Country: USA (Detroit)
Woman: Ebonie
Charity: The Empowerment Plan
Ebonie fell into homelessness at age of 31. At the time, Ebonie was layed off and simultaneously, her boyfriend kicked her out of the house. It was a freezing cold February evening. With a 2-year old son, she humbly walked to COTS, a homeless shelter in midtown Detroit, and asked if they had an open bed.
Homelessness is cured by job-creation, and Ebonie jumped at the opportunity to work for The Empowerment Plan. This nonprofit became famous for it’s “sleeping bag coat” — a winter coat that converts into a sleeping bag which is distributed to homeless communities around the world. The deeper genius of The Empowerment Plan, however, is that the organization hires single parents from homeless shelters to be seamstresses!
After she was hired, Ebonie woke up at 5am, commuted 2.5 hours on multiple bus lines to make it to work by 8am everyday. After another long commute to pick up her son after work, she often missed dinner at the shelter. But alas, after seven months of hustling, Ebonie was able to save enough money to move out of the shelter. Five years later, and Ebonie is still employed and fully supporting her family!
I was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit…and as most Detroit-ers, I have somewhat of a love affair with my city. I have proud of the hardships we have overcome and the innovation that lives within our bones.
The Empowerment Plan was created by a fellow Detroit woman named Veronika Scott, who grew up in and out of homelessness. Her insightful leadership and empathetic approach to viewing the homeless as a workforce has led it to great success! Since 2012, The Empowerment Plan has produced and distributed over 30,000 coats reaching the homeless in all 50 states, all 10 Canadian provinces, and multiple other countries. The organization has hired 65 homeless individuals, all of whom have secured permanent housing for their families. With a 100% success rate, no one has fallen back into homelessness since gaining employment with The Empowerment Plan.
For $125, you can sponsor a coat and help employ more women like Ebonie.
DONATE HERE: www.crowdrise.com/mile-2-detroit
