A University of Kentucky graduate student led volunteers in providing free haircuts at a local homeless shelter Saturday.
Brandon Merriweather led volunteers at New Life Day Center in trimming, shaving, and cutting the hair of local homeless. No matter the style, the goal was the same. Groom the destitute and provide them with professional clothes so they can more easily find jobs. Merriweather says the event is part of his work at the College of Agriculture’s Community Leadership and Development program, but also quite personal.
“I really just wanted to do something I was passionate about, and that was, you know, giving back to the community, and also giving out haircuts,” he said.
This is actually the second time Merriweather has done haircuts at New Life. Volunteer Coordinator Tyler Hurst says they were initially able to provide 35 free cuts. He added that in both sessions , they have made use of stylists from nearby Cha Cha’s Salon.
“I see the same girls that have come back from last time, so obviously they were into it, the same girls that cut hair, so hopefully it just leads to something bigger and better and more people can come have some dignity, get their hair cleaned up,” he said.
Merriweather says he plans to continue giving back in the future, and perhaps even open up his own barbershop.
