On Monday, June 6th, Journey Home hosted the Second Annual Haircuts for Humanity.  Partnering with United Artists Salon in West Hartford, we set out to provide 50 free haircuts to people experiencing homelessness.  It was a beautiful day filled with laughter, hope, conversation, and healing.

The day began when Carlos of Post Road Stages in South Windsor arrived with a busload of residents from Soromundi Commons.  The women were greeted to breakfast on the patio, a Reiki healer, and the opportunity to make a fresh start with a new haircut.  Our 5 volunteer stylists lined up to begin shampooing and conditioning and trimming and clipping.  The salon was quickly abuzz with activity.

As each new busload of people arrived, so did their smiles and stories.  The entire Journey Home team was on hand to lend a hand or provide a listening ear.  People shared deeply about what this experience means to them — both those who are experiencing homelessness and those who spent their day volunteering.  All in all we were able to serve about 50 people — from toddler to senior citizen.  Short hair, long hair, beards, and everything in between, we did it all.

Our deepest thanks and appreciation goes out to so many local businesses who donated services to make this day possible: United Artists Salon, Post Road Stages, Arugula Bistro, Zest 280, Effie’s Place, and Blue State Coffee.  We also offer our sincere thanks to the many volunteers who spent the day giving back to the community in such a profound way. We are also grateful to all of the journalists who came out to witness the event firsthand.  And thanks to Fox 61, you can check out one of the great stories on the event here:

http://fox61.com/2016/06/06/the-buzz-from-the-salon-is-all-to-help-the-homeless/