Chance The Rapper has grown from a local Chicago rapper with a strong internet following to a star that tours the world and just became the first independent artist to perform on Saturday Night Live. Now he is using his status as an influencer to try and impact his community in a positive way, by helping to launch a charitable initiative that will donate coats the homeless in his city.
He has teamed up with Detroit-based nonprofit called The Empowerment Plan to create the Warmest Winter 2016, which has the goal of giving 1,000 coats to Chicago's homeless.
This isn't an average coat drive where fans can just drop off a used or ill-fitting coat at a shelter. These are special coats that double as sleeping bags and the website says can save lives.
"The EMPWR coat is a water-resistant and self-heating jacket, which can transform into a sleeping bag, or be worn as an over-the-shoulder bag when not in use. The coat is constructed of upcycled automotive insulation, fabric from Carhartt, and other materials provided by generous donors."
Each coat costs $100 to sponsor, which includes labor costs, material and overhead for the charities.
The new initiative stems from statistics that 20 percent of Chicago public school students are homeless. One estimate by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless put the total number of homeless in the city at 125,848 and 7 percent die each year from hypothermia.
Head to the website to learn more about the initiate and the potential prizes that you can win for donating that include the chance to win Chance The Rapper, Chicago White Sox or Chicago Bulls tickets.
So far the initiative has raised $25,535, to craft 255 coats and he hopes to raise $100,000 for 1,000 coats. Watch Chance explain it in more detail in this interview below.
