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.