Salon Owner and her Volunteers Transforms and Uplifts Individuals Experiencing Homelessness with Free Mini-Makeovers

Salon Owner and her Volunteers Transforms and Uplifts Individuals Experiencing Homelessness with Free Mini-Makeovers

August 10, 2021 by Cathy Stack

Knoxville, TN - Salon owner Marti Baker knows a new haircut helps make a person feel reinvigorated. She wanted to offer that special feeling of being cared for to the members of her local homeless community. She brainstormed and came up with the idea to invite other local beauty technicians to donate their services to those less fortunate. At the first event they held, the volunteers served hundreds of homeless individuals with haircuts and mini makeovers. The events were busier than expected, and soon both volunteers and their clientele were asking when the next event would be. The positive response inspired Marti to start her own nonprofit, which she named CARE-cuts.

CARE-cuts is solely operated by a group of volunteers that has grown to include hair professionals, cosmetologists, barbers and salon owners. The volunteers generously dedicate their time and services to provide the homeless community with haircuts, hair color, facial waxing, shaves, and trims, as well as manicures.   Additional volunteer support staff serve food and distribute clothing. 

The organization has expanded its services to include free meals, clothing, and transportation. The group also provides addiction recovery and employment resources. The nonprofit offers its free services on the first Sunday of every month in the local community.  At the height of the pandemic, they operated on a weekly schedule to meet the greater need.  The organization has been blessed with many volunteers to help with the larger influx. Lines at event locations typically stretch around the block. Individuals struggling with homelessness arrive in wheelchairs or using canes, some carrying their children.

Marti has personally gotten to know many of the displaced individuals who often come to her events.  Hairstylists are known for being good listeners, and Marti’s group is no exception. In addition to cosmetic care, the events give those in need an opportunity to tell their story to caring people who listen.

Some of the volunteers themselves have experienced homelessness and used Marti’s services.  They say volunteering is a way to give back the caring they received that helped them turn their life around. They want to share hope with others to show them there is a way out.

Marti understands the individual struggles of those who come to her events. “I was so close to being homeless so many times,” she admitted.

Marti has witnessed firsthand how much some of the recipients’ lives have improved.  Some have found employment and housing.   One such success story is a man named Bear who credits Marti and her team for helping him during his lowest point, giving him hope to persevere and motivation to seek treatment.

“I’ve lived on the streets most of my life as an addict,” Bear said. “I’ve been clean for over two years now. If it weren’t for Marti, I wouldn’t be where I am now.” 

In the years the organization has been in operation, Marti and her volunteers have provided thousands of free haircuts and mini makeovers.  They are showing these unhoused individuals that they matter.  In return, the volunteers who participate can witness incredible transformations.  Volunteers say there is nothing quite like the first look in an individual’s eyes when they receive a mirror and rediscover themselves. For some individuals, the physical transformation reawakens their sense of their own value.  Some leave the event almost unrecognizable from their former selves. 

“She (Marti) represents the best of our community, and to me, that makes her a hero,” said Evelyn Gill, former Knoxville County Commissioner.

PassItOn and The Foundation For A Better Life also believe that Marti Baker and her CARE-cut volunteers are true heroes. Their action demonstrates the value of compassion.  They use their time and skills to restore smiles, dignity and hope to those who need it the most.  Please help us honor Marti and her volunteers by sharing their heartwarming story.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/nOhVjW_BXIc

Sign Up to PassItOn blog to be inspired:  http://www.passiton.com/passiton-blog

Please tell us about your everyday Hero. The Heroes among us are ordinary people whose actions leave a lasting and positive impact in their communities and demonstrate the potential in all of us. Their heroic acts uphold our shared values. Help honor these individuals by creating a billboard and sharing their story at:  https://www.passiton.com/your-billboards/create

SHARE this inspiring story with your friends and family to uplift their day.   If you find these posts inspirational, consider favoriting Passiton on Facebook so you never miss out on our weekly posts. 

 

Pass It On®

  email

Your Comments
Lynise Tarring from Hilo, Hawai'i  JUNE 24, 2022
God Bless each and every one of you folks who continue the ray of Hope. Thank you for helping those who need help. Make Gratitude YOUR attitude.

Patty from Fire Island NY JUNE 24, 2022
Your kindness and generosity gives us all hope that good still prevails! May God bless you and your volunteers and the lives of the people you helped!

Linda M White from Oregon AUGUST 10, 2021
I needed this as I've despaired of the human race. Thank you for caring and doing something amazing to help. How very proud your families and friends must be.

Mindy from El Paso, Texas AUGUST 10, 2021
God Bless All of You! ❤


Here are some other inspiring posts you might like.
We use cookies or similar technologies to process data when you visit our site. This data may relate to your use of our site, your preferences, your device, or other information about you. We and third parties may use this information for a variety of purposes, such as enabling the sites to function, to personalize your experience when using our sites, and for analytical purposes. Read our privacy policy and terms of use for details. close

Reject All Accept All