The Hooded Sweatshirt That Protects the Homeless (from stares and profiling) [View all]

[Liberal_in_LA]

"Maybe this [sweatshirt] could prevent profiling," Hsi says. "It might be wishful thinking. But I think if I were to fall asleep on the street wearing this, police would wake me up and ask about my well-being, not approach me with aggression like they did to James Boyd."

------------

"If I zip the sweatshirt up, it makes me feel more private," Joe says. His voice is gruff. "People tend to stare at you when you're sitting on the side of the street. It's nice having some privacy, you know? And it's warm." The Albuquerque Rescue Mission stops giving out blankets after the weather gets above 50 degrees.

The Visor lets Joe stay camouflaged and warm yet still vigilant to his surroundings (wearers can see through mesh panels even when the hoodie is zipped).

"A lot of these are people who met really unfortunate circumstances. Veterans with PTSD who've lost everything," Hsi says. "You couple that with mental illness and addiction, and you've got a real problem. This is just a small step to help out."

http://mashable.com/2014/06/19/homeless-hoodies/