By Jasmine Chanelle – Barbers and stylists teamed up this past Sunday to offer men at the Clara White Mission a new look thanks to the Beyond the Clippers Haircut Giveback . The event which happens quarterly falls on Father’s Day, making it even more impactful. Fathers play a large role in shaping their children’s lives. This fact is no different for those dads who find themselves displaced and homeless.
The Clara White Mission has been around for nearly 100 years and is a pillar of hope for those facing homelessness in the Jacksonville community. The Mission offers services from feeding and housing to job training and education, with the goal of helping at-risk individuals return to dignity and productivity by gaining new perspectives on life. “I truly believe that every man deserves to look like a celebrity, despite their financial situation,” said Corey Duval, owner of Hollywood Cuts Barbershop, and the event’s organizer. The Beyond the Clippers Haircut Giveback has benefited more than 250 men throughout the city since its inception. According to a 2015 report by the Florida Council on Homelessness, Duval County has an adult homeless population of 1,566, a testament to the importance of services and programs offered by the Clara White Mission.
Although hair cuts won’t end homelessness, Duval believes that a boost in confidence is the first step for these men to start changing their lives. “When a man gets a fresh haircut, it’s like he is a new person,” he said. “Every client at the giveback is always grateful that we took the time to come out and make that happen for free.” Pictured is barber Corey Duval cutting and grooming a homeless customer. Shown is Cory Duval cutting and shaping up homeless person Gregory Franklin for his father’s day debut.
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