Volunteers offer new haircuts, renewed confidence to homeless

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Kathy Burris started Helping Hands Haircuts, housed in Faith Mission of Elkhart, which provides free haircuts to homeless men, women and children at the shelter

Kathy Burris started Helping Hands Haircuts, housed in Faith Mission of Elkhart, which provides free haircuts to homeless men, women and children at the shelter. (WSBT photo)

By Tiffany Griffin

ELKHART — Volunteers in Elkhart have found a new, rather unique way to give back to the community. Some hairstylists are giving their time to give free haircuts to homeless men and women. It's making a difference when it comes to boosting everyone's self-esteem.

It looks like any styling salon, but this one is different.

It's located inside the Faith Mission of Elkhart complex. The program is called Helping Hands Haircuts, and it was started by Kathy Burris.

"It’s a one-chair studio and we've got volunteers right now giving three-hour shifts of time per month,” explained Burris. “And we're cutting the residents’ hair every available day that we have a volunteer.”

The stylists serve men, women and children who are staying at the shelter.

“It is a talent we have,” Burris said. “We're friendly, we're used to the public, and it’s just what we do; it's a way we can give back."

And for those at the shelter, it's a big boost to their self-esteem.

"It gives you that feeling that you can go out and do anything,” client John Swett said. “It helps putting applications in. It makes you feel better around here."

The Faith Mission says it appreciates the time that volunteers put in because it gives clients a whole new outlook on life.

"This is a real asset to have in place. It just helps their image and their self-esteem,” said Faith Mission Director Ross Swihart. “Some of them maybe were not getting haircuts because they couldn't afford it."

'”We're just trying to help the guys get on the right path and look the best they can,” Burris said.

Organizers say they could use more volunteers and donations to help pay for equipment. For more information call Kathy Burris at 574-875-1044.

Friday, May 16 at 4:15 PM hillery wrote ...

that's real nice...

Friday, May 16 at 2:34 PM kristin wrote ...

mark...two words..shut up!!

Friday, May 16 at 10:59 AM Pat wrote ...

this is the positive comment that needs to be said about this positive program. This is a good program, and thanks to the volunteers. The people being helped are thankful for the help, and now they can have a bit more confidence, as they are now more prepared to find gainful employment. I hope they succeed at finding employment, and the program continues. A community working together, with one common goal:a better community. Thank you to all, and God bless everyone.

Friday, May 16 at 10:15 AM Mark wrote ...

Typical bleeding heart liberals. Fine, I'll thank you. Thanks for attracting panhandling vagrants to michiana. Much appreciated. I guess if all the jobs weren't taken up by illegal aliens, there'd be work for these poor unfortunate souls. Maybe we should teach them spanish.

Friday, May 16 at 7:25 AM SS wrote ...

Nobody will comment because they are too busy salivating with glee over 3 guys losing their jobs because someone just like them had a bad day at work. There is no one to criticize in this story= no comments. I think it is great that a few people have some compassion for others and are willing to inconvenience themselves in order to care for a stranger. If only there were a few more.

Friday, May 16 at 12:35 AM An appreciative citizen wrote ...

Excuse me Mark, but I don't notice anything positive coming from your contribution, and you were here! This is an uplifting story that there are many more of out there if the media would devote half the time they spend chasing tragedy looking for them. think these women should be recognized by the city and thanked by the public in general.

Thursday, May 15 at 8:29 PM Mark wrote ...

What, NOBODY has commented on this story? Or didn't anyone have anything positive to say? Wonder why that could be?

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