A new initiative in Fredericton is aiming to help people at the very edges of society.

Local pastor Jason Spencer, who works with homeless people, wants to buy a special set of winter coats that double as sleeping bags.

The EMPWR coat is water-resistant, self-heating and can transform into a sleeping bag or an over-the-shoulder bag. (www.empowermentplan.org)

"If we can reach just one, if we can just save one life, it's worth it all," Spencer said.

Spencer launched his plan at a community barbecue. He says the plan is to supply the coats to people who can't be accommodated by the shelter system, many of whom live in tents along the river during the summer time.

Spencer wants to buy 20 EMPWR coats, which are the product of a Detroit initiative that employs homeless people to make the coats for other homeless people across the continent.

MLA David Coon supports the idea, but says the greater goal needs to be to eliminate homelessness altogether.

"We've got to make sure that the government is carrying out its responsibility of putting some additional investment into the shelters," he said.

The coats sell for $100 U.S. Spencer says anyone who wishes to donate to the plan can meet him at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church on Sunday afternoons.