On a recent visit to Las Vegas, Lindsey Bressi, Nonprofit Relationship Manager at ReEmployAbility, had the opportunity to spend time with The Crochet Class, a nonprofit organization focused on creating practical solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness. These visits provide insight into the missions supported by injured workers participating in light-duty assignments through the Transition2Work® program.
During her time on-site, Lindsey observed how one of the organization’s key initiatives, The Mats Project, is making a direct impact across Southern Nevada. Launched in 2023, the project focuses on providing comfort and dignity by creating durable sleeping mats for individuals without access to shelter.
Founded by Merri Medley, The Crochet Class brings together volunteers who use crochet and weaving techniques to transform recycled plastic bags into weather-resistant mats designed for outdoor use.
“We have a lot of unhoused individuals in our community, and shelters can only take so many people,” Medley shared. “That means hundreds are still left without a roof over their heads every day. To give them something more comfortable to rest on, we create sleeping mats using plastic bags.”
As Lindsey spent time with the team, she saw the process unfold step by step. Volunteers sort, cut, and loop upcycled plastic bags into “plarn,” or plastic yarn, which is then crocheted or woven into mats. In addition to the mats, the organization prepares “blessings bags” filled with essentials such as toiletries, snacks, and bottled water. Each bag also includes a handwritten note for the recipient, offering words of encouragement and reinforcing a sense of dignity and care.
In 2023, The Mats Project produced 160 mats, allowing for quarterly distribution throughout the year. This year, production has more than doubled, making it possible to distribute mats every other month. A major factor in that growth has been the contributions of Transition2Work participants.
One participant, Chase, introduced a more efficient method for producing mats by implementing peg looms. After researching alternative techniques, he identified weaving as a way to increase output while maintaining durability. He then began building the looms himself, donating each one to the organization to expand its capabilities.
“Because of his innovation, we now have the capacity to reach thousands of unhoused individuals throughout Las Vegas,” Medley said. “He has spearheaded our weaving process, and it has increased our production by over 300%.”
Other participants play equally important roles in supporting day-to-day operations. Tony leads the plarn-making process, preparing the materials that serve as the foundation for every mat created. “I think we’re all in the right place at the right time with the right people,” Tony shared.
Zaria contributes through digital content creation, producing videos that help extend the organization’s reach. Her work includes a tutorial that allows volunteers to learn the peg loom technique and contribute to the project from off-site locations. “I love the message behind the organization and what we are doing it for,” she said.
During her visit, Lindsey also had the opportunity to participate in the process herself. Working alongside the team, she learned how to measure, knot, and weave the materials that eventually become part of each finished mat. The experience provided a firsthand look at both the skill involved and the sense of collaboration that defines the group.
“I’m so grateful—so beyond blessed,” Medley shared. “When I first came up with this idea, I knew it was bigger than what might have been reasonable. But now, I’m seeing that we can make it happen.”
That day, Lindsey left with a deeper understanding of how The Mats Project continues to grow through innovation, teamwork, and a shared commitment to service. From recycled materials to finished products, each step in the process reflects the organization’s focus on meeting a critical need while creating meaningful opportunities for those involved.
To learn more about The Mats Project, visit www.crochetclass.org/the-mats-project.