Chandler-Gilbert Community College partnered with Dsquared Homes for the Homeless in February to hold the Plarn Mat Service-Learning Project for CGCC students. The Plarn Mat Project involves cutting plastic grocery bags into strips and then looping them together to create durable, waterproof mats that are donated to people experiencing homelessness. Plarn mats are easy to clean and carry and provide an insulating, bug-resistant barrier from cold, wet ground and hot asphalt. The project is a win-win: plastic bags are recycled while helping provide a more comfortable night's sleep for someone in need.
Each plarn mat takes approximately 700–800 plastic bags and 8–10 hours to complete.
Since CGCC and Dsquared launched the Service-Learning Project in 2022, 1,310 students have participated, contributing more than 1,300 hours of community service to support people experiencing homelessness.
The CGCC Service-Learning Program is one of the college’s High Impact Practices (HIPs), a tangible way for students to connect classroom curriculum with serving their community. Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills, and learn about gaps in their communities and how organizations respond to those needs.
Serving the community is a cornerstone of CGCC’s mission. The Service-Learning Program works to build lasting relationships with community organizations and partner with them to better understand and support local needs.
To learn more about Dsquared Homes for the Homeless, visit dsquared4homeless.org.