Plarn Mats (Texas Country Reporter)

See how people are helping out the homeless by turning grocery bags into 'plarn' sleeping mats.
Donella Parker
First Presbyterian Church
1311 McCaulley St.
Sweetwater, TX 79556
Phone: [phone]
Website: fpcsweetwater.org/
Josie Jones
Project Dignidad
313 W Avenue N.
San Angelo, TX 76903
Phone: [phone]
Website: / project-dignidad-29806...
Like Texas Country Reporter on Facebook: / texascountry. .
Follow us on Twitter: / tcrbob
TCR #1495, 4-23-2016

[@desktopkitty]

It's scary how easy it is to be homeless. I've been homeless and this is how it happened to me: I got sick, too sick to work. I missed too many days of work and got fired. I couldn't pay rent and was evicted. I had no family to help me. And because I lost my job I also lost my health insurance. I was a 22 year old college graduate, diagnosed with a serious illness that required a bone marrow transplant. I got lucky enough to meet a lady who does the hiring at a grocery store who took compassion on me (also her father had died of the same illness, so she understood that part of what I was going through). She also helped me get a place to live. Not everyone is that lucky to get a break after becoming homeless. Being homeless isn't just not having a place to live, being cold, not having food to eat... it's also feeling hopeless. Being in a situation where you cannot find your way out. After getting hired at the grocery store, they didn't fire me at the first sign of me being sick and having to miss work, like my other job. When I got so sick and was in the hospital for a month, I still had a job to go back to. It's a misconception that homeless people are just lazy. I worked full time and put myself through college. That's like working 2 full time jobs while living off of ramen. That's years of hard work and dedication, but I still became homeless. It took one person having empathy who pulled me out. If you can help, even in a small way, it's a big deal for someone who needs hope.

[@annsparks793]

Thank you for your testimony. It is important for us to hear what happened to you.

[@jensturn]

what other things really help these people besides grocery bag mats. what is really needed.

[@Addi_055]

You are okay and we all understand to love you ❤️

[@JOHNSUE28]

My wife is helping make these mats. She told me of a lady at our church who has made 100. God Bless Her!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Best use of worthless plastic bags EVER!

[@hecateblackwater7589]

TheGoatMumbler not so useless now are they🥰

[@dfire351]

Helping people and recycling all at once. Sometimes the best charity you can give is your time. Good to see there's still a little compassion in the world.

[@dannekile8523]

Fabulous!!!

[@ddl4374]

"We are ALL WOVE. TOGETHER, through a thread of common decency ." THAT'S SO NICE ! ♡ :)

[@texgem]

Thank you to all these ladies and gentlemen helping the homeless.

[@dmhosea]

I'm about to finish my 22nd mat. My church does this, too.

[@aaryanna2001]

I'm interested in making one can u help me send me some information like how big it should be

[@rubyreed8690]

Deanna McAlister Hosea have they found that these mats are still actually being used and are distributed?

[@iammotley9212]

I'm gonna learn how to make those mats.

[@Quegi-mp1pw]

Deanna, I'm a disabled elder who is a shut in due to cystic fibrosis and other chronic illnesses. I want to do this too, but I don't belong to any large group and was wondering if you could share some ideas on collecting the bags for the projects. I thought perhaps running an add on Craigslist and put the word out to family, also maybe make up flyers that they can take to work. Thought maybe you might have some other creative means, other than the church members, you used. I will have to pray dispatching my angels to bring the bags in. I'm quite excited and will help me focus on something else other than my health and limitations. I may only have 1 or 1 1/2 yrs before I will pass, I figure I can make a lot of mats in that time! It is something I can also bring with me when I am hospitalized.

[@appsunder-ground2524]

How can i get one of these

[@mcanultymichelle]

This is an answer to my prayer. I have little money and I'm very tired after work. I didn't know how I can help. But I can make these mats.🙏

[@phantom_crie]

That is such an awesome thing you're doing God bless you

[@JS-kj6qf]

I love stories of charity and kindness. This was such a story. Thanks.

[@tonyacorder7892]

I think this amazing and definitely a God send to these people. Ladies like you are definitely great Christians. Thank you to the outreach program that dispenses these blankets. A lot of people have no idea how something as small as a plastic bag can make a difference of life or death to so many people. Thank you for Kentucky!

[@gerardjohnson2106]

YES, We cannot change the world for everyone but we can change the world for one person at a time. God Bless

[@justinmileman7863]

By far one of the best uses I have ever seen for plastic bags. I know it's not a solution of any kind, yet it does good and helps people and gets those plastic bags put to good use. Besides, if you wrap that "Plarn Mat" around yourself, and a trash bag or tarp or 'space blanket" on the outside, that's some pretty good insulation and wind protection.

[@pipes4749]

Cardboard gets wet then useless. These shake out and good to go again.

[@hollymarshall2825]

Sure miss my favorite news anchor, but I'm happy y'all get to bring stories like these to everyone. This is amazing-thank you for spending countless nights on the road and digging deep to find treasures like this!!

[@frugalmum7943]

These sorts of mats help remind people someone cares. The time and energy which goes into them matters. Consider what other things help.. Such as supporting cafés which allow you to buy an extra drink, meal, soup etc for someone in need.

[@peerdous6598]

l am impressed by your efforts and also, you help to turn plastic bags to something useful.

[@user-sm8tr5ic7g]

I'm sleeping on one right now. ingenious idea.

[@newsyvonne]

Dang this made me tear up. Poor guy. He was so grateful.

[@jadehunter7617]

It's only a bandaid, but a start to maybe encourage others to help even more for shelter, Etc, Thankyou lady's for your giving of time, May God bless you. what a Great idea.

[@ddl4374]

That guy thanking the ladies at the end is so nice !

[@ZzSleepyFoxzZ]

I live in San antonio and always has bags I can save them and give them to someone who wants to make this with them

[@justme8108]

Always wonderful to watch.

[@oneandonlyone1]

Bless your hearts really and truly

[@dilmagamarra233]

Parabéns por ajudar o próximo e o meio ambiente, Deus abençoe cada um de vcs

[@americanindian4155]

God Bless everyone! Thank you for the Idea/"BLESSING"

[@m.lewiss1489]

Can we start a gofundme for that sweet man??

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

Thank you for touching my heart with this video..I pray each day that god gives me new eyes to see people that were once invisble to me, a soft shoulder when compassion was needed and grace, to respect people, ALL people. What you do to the least of them you do to me.. God bless and keep you.

[@collinreesejones5525]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!! 😍😎🤗

[@Patria920]

What a great idea!!! I like this a lot!

[@Meleeman011]

i learned this skill for myself, i knew damn well i would and chose to be homeless, do i ask for help? no. i accept offers for help and money, because i know at any point i could be left stranded or for dead, and in some cases money won't help me. simply ask for an accommodating job, good friends, and a good internet connection, thats all i need to make mine and your business run. all of this inspires me to create a road side assistance app for those who live in their vehicles especially legal services since statistically people are more likely to be harrassed by the police.

[@carmensandoval8385]

I have plastic bags stronger and thinker how and where can I send them to?

[@pennyhinson4949]

Do you know if there is one of these groups around Waco, Texas? I would like to help out in a church group for our homeless here.

[@centralwestern]

It looks like in the beginning they are using new bags? Is the right?

[@ramaraobattu291]

God bless you all

[@peerdous6598]

Well done, ladies

[@webbsway]

this just makes me bawl like a baby to think other human beings can be put in this position.

[@Meleeman011]

it's the default state for humanity. some people don't fit the rules of society and haven't figured out a way to navigate out of them or they don't fit in legally speaking, i've been and known people in this situation, and it's not fun. if you know what you're doing you can look presentable and be invisible. most of the homeless you wouldn't recognize because they know people will treat you like shit if you look like that. i don't feel sorry for the homeless necessarily because there's a lot of ways to do it. and be comfortable. one thing that helps them more than anything is a job. and baking soda. it will turn those dirty hobos into job ready hippies, makes them not smell, cleans their teeth, gets the oil and dirt out of their hair and with a sponge and a small pot and a short walk to a water fountain they can be clean. and if anything teaching them how to make these helps them build shelter. i literally only carry permathrin (for mosquitos/ticks), baking soda, a sponge, and a small pot, and i can look presentable for any meeting, date, or job interview. i see the homeless with a phone. and they are dirty as can be. and i sit there and think to myself. you have the most powerful technology on the face of the earth that a friend gave to you out of the kindness of their heart. and yet you sit and wallow in your sorrow and don't do anything to improve your situation. something as simple as baking soda. or socks. or even a kind word, or foraging knowledge to help them get vitamins they won't get from the processed foods they find in the trashcan. literally sitting next to them are dandelion greens, mint, cat tails, clovers. granted these don't fill a stomach but they help food pass easier. if anything. i would sit down and tell them the edible plants and grow edible plants whereever i can. that way nobody has to starve. whenever i see that, and i look at the terminals on my screen, i realize that this is how i should be using my computer. instead of writing this long response about why you shouldn't necessarily feel sorry for homeless people. help them. but do your due dilligence and get to know their needs and situation before handing them shit they may not even want.

[@pamperedpetsprogrooming5126]

I've moved to a beautiful small town where there is no recycling program set up. Plastic bags take between 20 and 1000 years to decompose and if been struggling with the guilt I've felt over not doing my best for our planet, but all this came to a head a few months ago when I visited Spokane Washington. I live in a town of 2000 people and while some here struggle, all those 2000 people have at least a roof over their heads and beds to sleep in. I've personally never seen a homeless person, but as I took my two kids and husband out to dinner, we walked by a doorway where someone was sleeping on a piece of cardboard and a light jacket. It was warm out, but what got me was the baby stroller covered with a heavy quilt and the pitiful squalling that was muffled throughtat blanket. I can't imagine. I've lost plenty of sleep since. I came upon this video as I was looking for a crochet pattern for a christmas pattern about a few weeks ago. Long story, short, I got a few stores in my neighborhood to donate used and unused grocery bags and I hope to make 6 full mats to donate to a homeless veterans facility by Christmas. Not much, but I hope it helps. Thanks to whoever came up with this idea, its Brilliant and not only helps homeless but helps me recycle and help out someone less fortunate than I.

[@punknhead23]

Ironic that at 6:59 the homeless gentleman is walking under a bridge with plastic bags littering the ground. Bless these ladies and the people they help.

[@o.t.2473]

I'm glad I can also make mats for the homeless because God's obviously not going to do anything.

[@agent7641]

“To live is Christ” means that Christ is our focus, our goal, and our chief desire. Christ is the center point of our mind, heart, body and soul. Everything that we do, we do for Christ’s glory. As we run the “race marked out for us,” we lay aside the entangling sin and worldly distractions, “fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2). He is our life.

[@frugalmum7943]

Before throwing out the outside of lettuce leaves etc.. Consider what could be made into soups to help feed those doing it tough. Find out what's available in your area.

[@Paula5842]

No matter how small the task Do Something to Help Someone!

[@leogonzalezf.5690]

Solo pensar los unos en los otros como hermanos ya es emocionante.

[@KirbyHeath-wp2db]

Those black are some good ladies.

[@ddl4374]

How do you keep then clean ? With all the little books & crannies ? Since sleeping surfaces outside can be really germy? Bring a right sized tarp I guess and place the met on top for a great insulating barrier between body and sleeping surface ! Ok!

[@violetmurphy5177]

I'm starting to use plarn. I live in a rural area. I wish I could help these people 😕

[@elainemarie9470]

Why aren't the men helping? Do they lack compassion? Surely they could be cutting up the bags and learning how to crochet. I learned to do this in my 60s, certainly they can, too. This was filmed in 2016, not 1956. Thank you.

[@elainemarie9470]

Also, I'm a scientist, so this has nothing to do with religion or Christianity. It is simply the right thing to do. Trying to win points to get into Heaven is ridiculous.

[@jallenecs]

Let me see if I have this straight. On the strength of an eight-minute video, you absolutely KNOW that the men are completely useless, contributing nothing. They couldn't possibly be collecting bags, or providing transport, or maybe doing something completely unrelated that is equally helpful, but just wasn't the focus of this very specific news spot. Let me guess: you're a scientist, so you've secretly developed government sponsored Clairvoyance, right? Sounds pretty darned sexist to me.

[@badtexasbill5261]

Virtue signalling, self righteous biddy concludes men lack compassion. If you're married, I can tell you that your husband hates coming home.

[@texaskidzuk]

Did you ever think that the men might be out working to provide a good life for their families so the women have the ability to provide charity ?

[@cinciigirl]

Probably because it’s a women’s circle at their church.

[@theresetuckness2300]

I have a bunch of bags.. even those that are heavy duty after the stores in my area have banned bags 'cause of climate change (or something to that effect). I have pains in my hands and body, and Husband is tired of the house being a mess of bags. I want to make mats, but I'll 63 in 2 weeks from Jan. 1st No one wants to help me make the mats in my area. I am here if anyone in the nation want them. I need help on organization my house for I'm not well health wise. Ok send me a private message with no link attached for I block and delete those. If you are willing to help me. Please don't hesitate to contact me. Ty

[@truthwisdom7256]

The Tiny house movement is the solution to the homeless crisis

[@Meleeman011]

id almost say that would be the case if blackrock didn't buy up all the land. there's always the land nobody wants tho that goes for cheapish.

[@kepstein8888]

Time to look at the bigger picture: If Texas as a state (and by extension, electorate) were more compassionate and focused on the roots of homelessness, this would not be necessary.

[@scb0421]

Heeey, they used that opening footage from "Garage sale queens" in 2013.

[@keeperofthegood]

"homeless" is a modern word for "hunter/gatherers we made illegal". As a society, North America no longer makes blacks use the back door, Chinese own laundries, women be barefoot and pregnant. We need to face this frontier of government sanctioned rights abuse against an identifiable group of people who are not suited to or capable of stationary dwelling, and accept hunter/gatherers as equals in society and not denigrated with the derogative term 'homeless'.

[@yolandadando5714]

Is there a group in Ft Worth Texas I can help please forward any information available thanks

[@lancebaker1374]

"Plarn" is not in any dictionary. Where did you find this 'word"???

[@applemachome]

Plastic Yarn = Plarn :-)

[@popples9701]

Plastic yarn mish mash word

[@shreyashetty3117]

A few questions: How do you clean your plastic bags before crocheting them? Is there a Systematic way for collecting plastic bags? Doesn't this encourage people to not use cloth bags when they go to the supermarket?

[@redwolf7929]

Lose a job ,a few missed rent payments and we can be homeless too.

[@mindlesskittles]

And they're light weight

[@ab935]

Why aren't you teaching the homeless how to make their own mats at the church?

[@Susan.M.]

As a crocheter I know the time and amount of work that goes into making these mats... Wouldn't it be better to use that time to run a nonprofit to actually make some money to maybe buy a building to actually house these people and get them off the streets and out of the elements and away from crime a place to shower a place to eat and a real mattress versus sleeping on concrete/dirt with a mat crocheted out of plastic trash bags. It just doesn't feel like the grand gesture that these videos are making it out to be.

[@josephdorsey4930]

They are homeless, yet they can afford cigarettes. Cannot feel sorry for them.

[@Limitlesshigh]

Joseph Dorsey mental health problems happen to most people on the street

[@meesha2439]

I see them every day at work. Frog Eye is correct. And those cigarettes are most likely gleanings, not bought. I watch people who feel bad and give them smokes constantly. They'd rather give a cigarette than a dollar. Not that they should give either of those. What the homeless really need is for people to care about their mental and physical well being. Because they're still people.

[@zsedcftglkjh]

My job is to work with addicts. 9 out of 10 of the homeless are substances abusers. Y'all aren't helping. Get them off the streets and into a shelter for rehab.

[@nonbinarybastard]

No their not and like 40% are employed. MAYBE 9/10 addicts are homeless but not 9/10 homeless are drug adicts