Cosmetologists Take Action! How to Serve Homeless Communities
Homelessness isn't a problem with an easy solution, but cosmetologists can try to ease the burdens associated with it. Here, you can learn about what homelessness truly is, how makeovers can help improve people's situations, and how you can get involved.
A note on terminology: You may see many terms for "homeless." These can include unhoused, experiencing homelessness, houseless, and others. Terms will be used interchangeably to respect the fact that people who don't have permanent housing have different preferences, and many advocacy groups also use a variety of terms.
What Exactly Is Homelessness?
Homelessness, in simplest terms, means someone doesn't have a stable, safe place to stay each night. People in this situation might have places they can go, but they're either impermanent (e.g., shelters or couch surfing) or not intended for human habitation (e.g., a specific spot outdoors, condemned buildings).
Between 2022 and 2023, the number of people experiencing homelessness grew by 12.1%, about 70,642 more people. To give some perspective, from 2010 to 2023 – 12 years as opposed to one – the number rose by 2.5%, or an additional 16,027.
Of those, in 2023, 39.3% were unsheltered (staying in places not intended for habitation), while 60.7% were sheltered (staying in places like sheltered or transitional housing). When this count was done, these numbers didn't include all people who are considered "homeless," such as "couch surfers" or those using HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive housing vouchers. This means the number of people without permanent living situations is likely higher.
Makeovers and Homelessness
From the judgmental "they look homeless!" to describe people who look unkempt to the assumption that people who really want a job would dress up for an interview, how someone looks affects their self-esteem and employment possibilities. While those without permanent addresses generally make every effort to look their best, it can be challenging – haircuts and makeup are expensive, and free showers aren't exactly on every street corner.
This is where beauty professionals can come in.
"A haircut can change a person's appearance, instill confidence and allow someone to reach for opportunities when they thought life had passed them by." – California Born Foundation
The Wade H. Menendez Foundation compiled statistics about the "transformative power of makeovers for the homeless" to show what happens after someone with housing insecurity gets help with their physical appearance. The numbers show that the majority of makeover recipients report:
- Feeling their appearance lowered their employment opportunities
- Increased confidence in job interviews
- Feeling more respected and dignified
- Having more hope and motivation
Other important results were that 50% reported improved mental health and wellbeing, and 40% gained employment within three months of getting their makeovers.
Why Consider Using Your Beauty Skills to Help Homeless Individuals
Let's be honest: People are busy, and carving out time for something that doesn't directly pay the bills – even if you would like to help – can seem impossible. But there are many reasons to make that time, including both the ability to help others and to improve your business prospects.
There's no shame in considering your own needs when it comes to volunteering your time – people are busy, and time is money! However, volunteering can improve your business prospects and image.
In 2023, Business News Daily reported that "creating a company culture of volunteerism in your organization can help your community and the world while improving your business." When people volunteer using their professional skill sets, they can improve their skills or gain new ones. Volunteerism can also help your brand's image, as "today's consumers prefer supporting companies that are public and transparent about their corporate social responsibility initiatives."
Plus, volunteerism can look great on a resume. Having that on there shows a commitment to your trade and your community in ways that may make you stand out when compared to other qualified candidates.
How To Get Started
When you decide to start offering your services for free to homeless people in your community, you can't just run around town with scissors; you need a plan!
If you're a salon employee or rent a booth, you could go to your management and bring up the idea. Be sure to include details about how other companies have undertaken this endeavor and how it impacts both the community and their business. Bring ideas about who to contact, whether that be organizations that help this population (e.g., shelters) or established volunteer groups focused on this specific task.
Of course, not all beauty professionals have employers who would be interested – or employers at all, as many work for themselves. In this case, you can find places that may want your services on your own, not representing anyone else. In doing so, you may make yourself more marketable and boost your resume's quality.
If you don't have access to a formal organization that works on makeovers for homeless populations, there are just a few places you could consider reaching out to:
- Homeless shelters or advocacy groups
- Domestic violence shelters
- LGBTQ+ services organizations
- Children and family services agencies (including state or county government)
- Mental health centers or agencies (including state or county government)
- Addiction services centers
- Your local VA