Christine Mastello is the busiest person I know. Her hours devoted to helping the homeless people of our community are simply not measurable. From helping victims of domestic violence, providing food hampers to the under privileged and arranging sleeping shelters, she never stops.

Another amazing service she provides is haircuts for the homeless, via an amazing decked out van so hairdressers can donate their time to help. I know what you are thinking, “how can a haircut help a homeless person and make a difference to their life?”

She knows how much a haircut can matter, particularly to those in need.

Homelessness is a complex issue that affects people from all walks of life. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as job loss, mental illness, and lack of affordable housing. While there is no easy solution to this problem, providing haircuts to the homeless can be a small but significant step towards helping individuals regain a sense of self-worth and hope for the future.

One of the most obvious benefits of providing haircuts to the homeless is the improvement in their appearance. When a person is homeless, they often do not have access to basic necessities such as clean clothing, showers, and haircuts. As a result, their appearance can be disheveled and unkempt. A haircut can help them look more presentable and confident in their appearance, which can be crucial when searching for employment or housing.

In addition to the physical benefits, a haircut can also have a positive impact on a person's mental health. Homelessness can be incredibly isolating and traumatic, and a small act of kindness like a haircut can provide a sense of normalcy and self-care. It can be a reminder that someone cares about them and that they are not alone in their struggles. Additionally, the process of getting a haircut can provide a sense of routine and structure, which can be beneficial for those who may have been experiencing difficult living conditions.

Another benefit of providing haircuts to the homeless is the sense of community it can create. Many organizations that provide haircuts to the homeless also offer other services such as food, clothing, and job training. These services provide a sense of community and belonging, which can be incredibly important for those who may be feeling isolated and disconnected.

It's important to note that providing haircuts to the homeless is not a one-size-fits-all solution to homelessness. It is a small but significant step towards helping individuals regain a sense of self-worth and hope for the future. However, it is important to address the underlying issues that led to homelessness such as job loss, mental illness, and lack of affordable housing. By working together, we can help to provide individuals with the support they need to improve their lives and break the cycle of homelessness.

Providing haircuts to the homeless is a small but significant step towards helping individuals regain a sense of self-worth and hope for the future. It can improve their appearance, mental health, and sense of community. It is important to remember that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution to homelessness, but it can be a positive step in the right direction. I urge you to support and encourage organizations that provide haircuts and other services to the homeless.

To hear Christine discuss with the ABC radio about her adventures, please check out the link below:

https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/storystream/community-hair-project/101711920?utm_campaign=abc_radio&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_radio

How much impact does a good haircut have?