Plastic bags can become sleeping mats for the homeless in our community.

The process is simple. First, you need to make 'plarn' (plastic yarn) by cutting the bags into strips and then looping them together. Then crochet the plarn into mats. It's a straightforward process that can be easily learned from online tutorials and videos.

These mats are lightweight, waterproof, and easily transportable, making them ideal for the homeless or anyone needing a comfortable place to sleep. They can be slung over the shoulder and are easily cleaned. Each mat keeps 500-700 plastic bags out of landfills, helping the environment and providing comfort to those in need.

Homelessness is a problem affecting hundreds of thousands of people in our country. While a small percentage are long-term homeless with difficult issues, many - thankfully - are more short-term. More people than you can imagine are one paycheck away from homelessness and praying that a large unexpected expense does not come their way. The county shelter at 5 Points has a waiting list, but there is an organization in Lower Bucks County that is focused on helping this fragile group of God's people.

AHTN is the Advocates for the Homeless and Those in Need. They provide daily meals for unsheltered people, run the Code Blue Shelter in 4 winter months when the cold could be life threatening, and help those in need connect with other county services. For more information, please go to AHTN.ORG.