These heroes give haircuts to those in need
Posted at: 10/08/2012 7:48 AM
By: Heather Mills, KOB Eyewitness News 4
Sometimes all it takes is a simple act of kindness to restore someone’s faith - and that's exactly what the stylists at Square Root Salon in Albuquerque are doing.
Once a month they give free haircuts to the homeless, and that makes them this week's Hometown Heroes.
A little snip, a buzz, whatever it takes to spruce up the crowd waiting for haircuts. It may sound like your typical barbershop, although it's anything but.
"Doing what you preach in a way, rather than just talking about things, really just getting in there and helping out," said Jason Smith.
He and David Gatt co-own Square Root Salon in downtown Albuquerque. But once a month they step out of the salon and cut hair for the homeless at the Albuquerque Rescue Mission.
"It helps keep us humble as individuals, just being out in the real world instead of being stuck in an environment that's all about beauty," said Gatt. He started cutting hair at the Mission in 1992. "I didn't really have any money when I was younger so it made sense to give what I could and what I could give was of my talents and time," he added.
Smith said, "We feel pretty blessed where we're at in life and even if it's just doing a haircut for someone, if it makes them feel better, and a bit more positive about themselves, that's what I really, what it's about."
That's exactly what it's about for the men getting haircuts.
"It helps out with spirits. Now I can go out with a nice haircut and have more confidence as I'm going out looking for work," said Darrell Creasy.
Henry Chmielenko, who was also getting his hair cut said, "It feels, uh, me clean and I am able to mix-up with regular people."
The stylists say they're getting just as much in return. "It's amazing," said Smith. "All the different people you get to meet."
If you know someone that's a hero, you can send Heather a note. She can be reached via email at HMills@KOB.com or at facebook.com/TheHeatherMills or twitter @NewsieHeather.
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