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- NATION, Page 31American NotesTHE HOMELESSA Coat of Many Uses
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- Each semester, students at the Philadelphia College of
- Textiles and Science develop products to help people with special
- needs. In years past they have stuffed caterpillars for children
- with cerebral palsy to heighten their sense of touch. But the
- school's latest project may represent the ultimate combination
- of altruism and design: an overcoat for homeless people that can
- double as a sleeping bag.
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- Known as a Shelter-Pak, the hooded, full-length garment is
- covered with rip-proof nylon on one side and heavy wool on the
- other. Depending on how it's folded, it can convert from
- nighttime bedroll to daytime parka or even a backpack. Each
- Shelter-Pak contains a deep pocket that is almost as capacious
- as a duffel bag. Eighty of the garments have been distributed
- to homeless people in Philadelphia, and the students plan to
- turn out at least 200 more this year. Vows Assistant Professor
- Matthew Mehrman: "We are going to keep making Shelter-Paks until
- the problem of the homeless is resolved." Better keep the
- production lines open, guys.
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