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Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart (Ohio)
Started in 1995, the mission of the haircut program is to provide free professional hair care services for persons of low or no income so as to assist them toward restoring their dignity and self-confidence during financially debilitating times. The program administers and operates a licensed beauty salon for the homeless and residents in the Over-the-Rhine area near downtown Cincinnati. A voucher program begun in 1998 is also made available via 140 schools & social service agencies (including shelters) in which free gift certificates/vouchers are given to persons in the greater Cincinnati area who are seriously financially limited and/or receiving assistance through social service agencies or school free lunch programs.
Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart reimburses the
salons/colleges for their hair care services. The hair care services of
the program meet some very basic needs of the recipients such as the
human touch and renewed dignity. Some of the clients are receiving
professional hair care prior to job interviews. School children living
in the poverty level often do better in school when their appearance has
been enhanced by haircuts. Parents of children receiving free hair care
services have one less stressful expense and this is good for family
harmony.
Since the inception of the salon program and voucher program, 27,551
persons have been served. Of those, an estimated 10,410 were homeless
men, women & children. During the 2005-2006 fiscal year, approximately
1,100 homeless persons are projected to be served by the programs.
Needs: Funding to purchase salon supplies, pay utility costs and
support the free hair care vouchers given to low income children and
other family members.
