Haircuts For Tulsa Homeless More Than Just A New Style

Jennifer Broaddus, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A Green Country group is giving hope from behind the barber chair.

They're providing something as simple as a haircut. But the end result is more than a change in appearance; it's a change of heart.

Oklahoma's Own are helping the homeless with "Acts of Love." On the second Sunday of every month, Tulsa's Day Center for the Homeless turns into a day spa.

For the men and women who stay here at the shelter, it's an afternoon of facials, haircuts and manicures.

"In general who we see is people that are homeless for a short time. They weren't before, they won't be again. It's where they are right now," said Volunteer Coordinator Debra Dester.

For someone who is homeless, even a haircut can be a hardship. But a simple pair of scissors can cut away stress; a touch of the hand can heal, and a new look can bring a new outlook.

"She just felt like a brand new person and she was just crying when I was massaging her hands and she just felt all of the stress was leaving her and she just felt relieved," said Maria Stevenson, Acts of Love.

It's a change Maria Stevenson says is more than just a new style.

"You can tell they were slumped over when they came in and when they walked out they had their shoulders up and they were confident and felt sassy," Stevenson said.

Stevenson started "Acts of Love" after losing her own job. Now she volunteers alongside students and instructors from Clary Sage College, who provide everything at no cost to their clients.

Students hope their excitement for cutting hair will give their customers a new found confidence that will put them back on their feet, and maybe off the streets.

"There is just something about feeling beautiful that makes you feel important...that makes feel that you can do anything and be anything you want," Stevenson said.

Acts of Love is looking for more volunteers to help with massages and manicures.

If you'd like to help we've visit Acts of Love website.