WEST HARTFORD -- The week got off to a good start at a West Hartford salon where they used Monday -- typically a day off -- to make it a day to remember.
The chairs in the United Artists Salon were full of grateful customers, all homeless men and women brought by bus to the Park Street storefront for what is called "Haircuts for Humanity."
"In my industry we have the ability to make people feel better about themselves," said United Artists owner Kevin Irish. Irish, who has owned his shop for eight years, teamed up with the homeless advocacy group Journey Home last year to offer free haircuts for those in need.
Matt Morgan, the executive director from Journey Home said, "A simple haircut can really raise someone's self-esteem."
Morgan noted that homelessness is a big problem in the greater Hartford area. "What we are doing is giving people a break."
Sitting in Irish's chair, Scott Williams, who has lived in a Hartford shelter for the past five months but will soon be moving out, said of his new look, "It always feels good to look good, this gives you a new outlook on the day."
Luis Diaz, another client who was bused to the salon from a Hartford shelter added, "I really appreciate what these people are doing, I feel nice."
Stylist Jessica Langrandeur traveled from her job in Rhode Island to help cut hair for the day.
"It's the right thing to do," Langrandeur said. "When you can give your service for nothing, why not?"
To find out more about Journey Home and their mission to end homelessness in Hartford click here.
