ATLANTA — A special program to support teens experiencing homelessness kicked off in March and it all starts with a haircut.
While getting a trim or a new haircut is something easily taken for granted, advocates said there can be barriers for young people dealing with unstable housing as it can be hard to access or simply afford such services.
In an effort promote self-esteem and address such hurdles, nonprofit StandUp for Kids teamed up with haircare brand Hair Proud to offer the 'A Cut Above' initiative, free haircuts during the month of March to youth experiencing homelessness.
"When you get a haircut, you look good. You feel good," said Kedric Sledge, who serves with the nonprofit and also as a social worker in Fulton County Schools. "So something as small as a haircut can not only boost our self-esteem, but also kind of boost their peer groups as well."
The nonprofit, which offers resources for homeless youth around the country at its 35 chapters, placed posters about the program in its outreach centers, partner schools, and local barbershops and hair salons, among other places.
Representatives with Hair Proud, which launched earlier this year, said they were moved to help.
“Upon launching Hair Proud, we were moved to react to the lack of access to basic hygiene for young adults experiencing homelessness,” Nora Zukauskaite, global marketing director at I Am Proud, Hair Proud's parent company, stated to magazine PRWeek. “Through A Cut Above we are hoping to provide these young adults with hair services they wouldn't be able to afford otherwise [and] help instill self confidence and empower those affected to look forward to a future beyond homelessness.”
Two barber shops in Atlanta opened their doors for the initiative in March including Double Trouble Barbershop and Maxim Barber Shop.