07 January 2023 , 12:50
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A caring barber has shown how a generous gesture can make all the difference after trimming away a homeless man's long, dishevelled hair, completely free of charge. Since 2017, barber Joshua Santiago has travelled around the US in his mobile barbershop, offering free haircuts to those who are unable to afford them, through his non-profit organisation Empoweringcuts.
Joshua, who is originally from Philidelphia, recently shared a video of one homeless man before, during, and after his transformative haircut. Many people have since been left moved by how smart and well-cared for the man looked with his messy hair shorn away, applauding Joshua for taking the time to lend a hand.
Joshua travels around the country giving out free haircuts (Tiktok.com/@empoweringcuts)
People have praised Joshua for his kindness (Stock Photo) (Tiktok.com/@empoweringcuts)In the clip, which has been shared on TikTok and Instagram, the unnamed homeless man can be seen with a shock of matted hair, which Joshua then gently trims away. The end result looks beautifully neat, with the man's face now clearly visible.
Joshua, who goes by the TikTok username @empoweringcuts, wrote the following caption for the heartwarming vid: "Never underestimate the pain of a person because, in all honesty, everyone is struggling with something. Some people are better at hiding it than others."
Many of Joshua's followers commended him for his efforts, pleased to see somebody use their talents for the greater good while remarking upon how 'handsome' the man now looked.
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Joshua trimmed away the man's tangled locks (Tiktok.com/@empoweringcuts)
The man looked much smarter (Tiktok.com/@empoweringcuts)One admiring person commented: "God bless. You are an amazing human being. Thank you for making homeless people feel like they matter too."
Another approved: "He looks like one of the Backstreet Boys. It's amazing how little changes make a difference."
A third person applauded: "You're so empowering. Your kindness is so amazing."
As per the Empoweringcuts website: "Empoweringcuts was founded by Joshua Santiago in 2017 to use his talent of cutting hair by paying it forward to individuals that couldn’t afford it.
"Having an understanding that homelessness doesn’t just reside in his hometown of Philadelphia he travels the country providing free haircuts for individuals in dire need and from that a nonprofit organisation was birthed."
Do you have a story about homelessness to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com