Does something as simple as a haircut make a difference to our Veterans lives?

This was a letter sent to us from a supporter showing how what we do makes a positive impact on those we serve. This letter shows that Veterans Cuts has a direct positive impact on our veterans, their quality of life and the general betterment of the communities we serve.

*Photo submitted of actual author.

“Hello, and thank you for taking the time to review my proposal. I would like to start by saying that this is a service that all can use, and benefit from. To get to the point, I have chosen to go the veterans helping veterans route. I always believed that in this practice, veterans will simply look out for each other no matter the conditions. My time as a resident was a time for me to set a plan, execute the plan, and use myself as a resource for other veterans as well as homeless individuals who I could help at the same time. Grooming, and self care goes a long way. Considering that homeless and veterans are typically in a position where what their appearance is, generally cuts them out of any chance to progress, and obtain opportunities for their own growth. Being a past resident myself of 17 months, I have had the pleasure of helping my fellow veterans to change that perception. We are visual people, and it is the first judgment we make on everything. If it doesn’t look good, we will often reject it. I was able to get into Barber school to gain my credentials here at Richmond Technical Centre while a resident at Liberation Veteran Housing, in which I’m 4 class days to complete, with the absolute intentions of helping my fellow vets as much as I could. At the same time, I managed to become the house barber, by offering these services while a resident. The effect I was hoping for was working, I didn’t want it to be over when I left. So I revised my plan, and here we are, my services, like in any other shop, are completely voluntary. I have a sliding scale of payment ranging from $5 to $20. I will make myself available 5 days a week. from 8 am to 12 noon. weekends by appt. only. I accept cash,and vouchers. Cards at a later time. There is no cost to Liberation, I provide all tools and supplies. I am vested in my fellow veterans, I am a man of service, if not for my path would be in a different direction. I believe this is my direction. Life is Hard, even harder for the less fortunate, This is my attempt to give back to the community by way of Liberation. Images and Pride , the business of changing images, and instilling pride. No change can happen if you don’t start with self. At the end of the day, this becomes a model for others, shelters and programs, in not only the city of Richmond, but anywhere where veterans or those without are found. Somebody just needs to go first. The process works…it can work better, and I would like to help”

-A.J. Thompson