A criminal justice student at Craven Community College in New Bern, North Carolina, started a unique project to help people experiencing homelessness by crocheting sleeping mats out of recycled plastic bags. Using "plarn" (plastic yarn) made from grocery bags, Brina Van Apeldoorn has been working to create durable, practical mats for those in need. Her instructor, Laura Ann Avery, was inspired by the project and expanded it to involve the entire criminal justice class.
The project quickly gained momentum, with the community donating over 28-thousand plastic bags to create the mats. Recognizing that crocheting might not be the best method, Avery collaborated with the college's welding department to construct a loom that would make the mat-making process easier. Van Apeldoorn notes that the project grew from a solo effort to a collaborative initiative, describing it as "a really big blessing."
The mats offer several practical advantages for people experiencing homelessness. Van Apeldoorn explains that the plastic mats don’t attract lice or bed bugs, are easy to wash, lightweight, and help prevent hypothermia. The project aims to distribute the mats across North Carolina, with a focus on areas impacted by the recent hurricanes. Avery stresses that the mats are desperately needed since homelessness is a widespread issue in the region.
Source: WCTI 12