Cosmetology Students Provide Free Haircuts for Homeless

A total of 16 students from the Columbus Technical College Cosmetology program helped make life a little easier for about 75 homeless and/or working poor in our area. The students were offering free haircuts, blowdry and shave/beard trim services as part of the annual Employment Expo for the Homeless. The Expo was coordinated by New Horizons and held at the Open Door Community House in Columbus.

From nine in the morning until two in the afternoon, members of the homeless and working poor community were able to learn about possible jobs and training opportunities, housing and legal services. They were even offered the opportunity to shop through a make-shift boutique in hopes of finding a free outfit.

The cosmetology students told their instructor/program manager, Sharon Head, that they really enjoyed being part of the Expo and having the chance to "give back" to their community.

Homeless Expo
CTC cosmetology student, Vanetra Coleman, puts the final touches on a "beard trim" for a client.

"They are eager and willing to do many more of these types of events," Head said. "They'd even like to go out to nursing homes and other facilities to provide the same kind of services."

Homeless Expo2
Jessica Blaxton gives one of the Employment Expo participants a blowdry style with her new haircut.

The Columbus Technical College cosmetology area has been part of this Expo since its inception several years ago.

The Northland Neighbor, a special publication of the Columbus Ledger Enquirer, included this story in their publication on February 17.