In December 2015, Chance the Rapper turned $100,000 into 1,000 coats for Chicago’s homeless, each became a waterproof sleeping bag after dark

Chance the Rapper used his platform for a cause beyond music, joining Warmest Winter, a project aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness stay warm in Chicago.

The Chicago-born rapper announced that he would be working with the campaign, which aimed to provide 1,000 coats to people experiencing homelessness in the city, as per a report. Each coat cost $100 to sponsor, with the money covering labor, materials, and overhead expenses.

A coat designed to do more than keep someone warm

The coats were made by the Detroit-based nonprofit Empowerment Plan, which mostly hires homeless parents from local shelters to manufacture them, as per a Los Angeles Times report.


The organization provides employment and job training, with the goal of helping workers find secure housing and regain their independence for themselves and their families.

The Empowerment Plan Coat was made using upcycled automotive insulation, Carhartt fabric and other materials.

The water-resistant garment could be converted into a sleeping bag when needed. It could also be used as an over-the-shoulder bag when not being worn.

The campaign supported employment too

By working with Empowerment Plan, the project connected the distribution of winter coats with employment and training opportunities.

Donors could contribute different amounts, with prizes including tickets to Chicago Bulls or White Sox games and a chance to meet Chance the Rapper.

More than $7,500 was raised within hours

Within hours of Chance's announcement, the campaign had raised more than $7,500, enough to sponsor 75 coats, as per the Los Angeles Times report.

The campaign was scheduled to end on January 13. The coats were to be made in Detroit and distributed in Chicago after the campaign ended.

The initiative was part of Chance's broader involvement in projects supporting his hometown. In June, he participated in a free summer musical festival for teenagers. He also helped present Chicago schools with $100,000 for digital literacy and college preparatory programs.

For Warmest Winter, the aim was to provide 1,000 coats to people experiencing homelessness in Chicago, with each $100 sponsorship helping cover the cost of labor, materials, and overhead.