Sleeping Mat Project
| Posted By Nicole Husbands, Indian Valley Public Library, 215-723-9109, nhusbands@IVPL.org, Thursday, September 15, 2022 |
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Library Type Public Description: Indian Valley Public Library seeks to empower community members to engage in exploring Civil and Social Literacy in their own way. The Sleeping Mat Project brings together individuals and groups from different ages, backgrounds, and abilities, with the common purpose of helping those in need. During these inclusive volunteer opportunities, sleeping mats are created from plastic bags which are then distributed to people experiencing homelessness. The project involves a multi-step process to recycle plastic grocery bags into sleeping mats for people experiencing homelessness in our community. Each mat recycles between 700-800 plastic bags, provides an opportunity for people of all abilities to be providers of service, and offers comfort to our community members without homes or a comfortable place to sleep. The sleeping mats insulate against hot and cold weather, help to keep people dry, and represent a collaboration between multiple community members and organizations. Families, agencies serving adults with disabilities, local business people, seniors and faith community members all volunteer their time with us. Community members have the opportunity to volunteer alongside a diverse group of neighbors, building connections and reducing the stigma around disability.
The supplies used for the program include: ● 40-inch Peg Loom ● 15 Scissors (including 2 left-handed scissors) ● 10’ Measuring Tape ● Crochet Hook ● Plastic Bags ● Name Tags ● Permanent Markers (various colors)
The looms were donated by volunteer woodworkers. Scissors, measuring tape, and crochet hooks were approximately $60 and were purchased using funds from the adult programs budget. Clean plastic bags are collected by participants and staff members. Aside from two hours of staff time a week, the name tags are the only recurring costs of approximately $7 per month. IVPL already owned permanent markers. The Sleeping Mat Project with Integrate for Good has been a mainstay at IVPL pre-pandmeic and after an extended hiatus, we started again when it was deemed safe. IVPL could have moved this project into the virtual realm, however the social aspect of this event is paramount. While we work collectively towards the goal of creating a sleeping mat, we are also combating the mental health issues raised by loneliness which affects many disabled adults. During the pandemic, many people encountered the stifling isolation which is commonly experienced by this marginalized population. Safety precautions, such as limiting registrations, social distancing, and the cleaning procedures were implemented to create a safe in-person program. This was also critical because of the disabled volunteers are often considered immunocompromised. To create a sense of community we encourage volunteers to wear name tags. Since restarting this program in September 2021, we’ve completed 5 sleeping mats to be distributed in the community by Angels in Motion, local law enforcement, and a new partner, Valley Youth House. From September 2021 to May 2022, we have an attendance of 463, many of which are repeat volunteers. People of all abilities are dedicated to this project and we have continually have capacity with registration. This one project has the power to embrace inclusion, environmental awareness, and homeless outreach. It represents a powerful way for us to show that everyone, no matter what challenges they face, can be civically engaged in volunteerism. Tags: Adults Civic & Social |
