People’s Place will offer free haircuts
“Styles & Smiles” is the theme behind free haircuts to be given at a Midtown thrift store/food pantry this month.
People’s Place Executive Director Christine Hein says a portion of her agency’s parking lot at 17 James St. will be turned into a hair salon.
People’s Place is hosting its free haircut program on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Any Ulster County resident with financial challenges can utilize this program, Hein said.
Janice Avery, who is owner of Mirror Mirror Hair Salon in the town of Ulster, is coordinating the event and cutting hair. Additionally, Brian Pfremmer of Lux Hair Studio in Saugerties will be styling hair too.
“Studies show a great haircut can help achieve a feeling of confidence and positive self-esteem,” Hein said in a statement. “At People’s Place, we realize people are under a great deal of additional stress from COVID and we continue to provide all of our regular programming.”
Hein said people who have participated in the program say they appreciate it.
“They are extremely grateful and very pleased with their haircuts,” Hein said.
Hein said the Styles N’ Smiles hair-cutting event first took place in 2018. Since then, Hein said, an estimated 300 haircuts have been given.
“This is such a rewarding experience to be able to provide this service to those who can’t really afford a professional haircut,” Avery said of her participation.
It takes about 15 minutes for boys and men; 20 minutes for girls and women.
Anyone getting a haircut must wear a mask. Social distancing must be done as well.
No identification is required. Haircuts will be given on a first-come, firstserve basis.
“The mission of People’s Place is to feed, clothe and respond to the essential needs of the people in Ulster County with kindness, compassion, and the preservation of human dignity,” a statement said.
For more information about the haircutting program or any of the 22 programs offered at People’s Place, visit www.peoplesplaceuc.org or www.facebook.com/PeoplesPlaceKingston.