Non-Profit Launches Campaign To Give Away 1,000 Winter Coats To Chicago Homeless

(CBS) -- A new campaign running through next week aims to keep the homeless warm and employed this winter, reports WBBM's Nancy Harty.

The Empowerment Plan has distributed 10,000 coats to the homeless in the last four years. The Detroit-based non-profit had launched a campaign to give out 1,000 coats in Chicago.

Development director Erika George says the coats are more than just an item to be worn in the winter.

"In the back interior of the jacket there is a foot bag that is velcroed into the interior of the jacket that you can pull out and extend to be used as a full sleeping bag," George says.

They can also be folded into a bag to carry in the warmer months.

George says the Empowerment Plan has hired 20 homeless mothers to make the coats - and the last of them is working to get out of the shelter system. They've also hired a homeless dad, who works logistics for the company.

Chicagoan Chance the Rapper has been promoting the campaign.

George says they hope to raise $14,000 by next week to meet their $100,000 goal. For information on how to donate, visit wwww.warmestwinterchicago.com.