Hairstylist Joshua Eudy is bringing hope back to Jacksonville, North Carolina, one haircut at a time with his nonprofit charity, Haircuts-Hugs-Hope. This endeavor began in April 2016 when Eudy offered free haircuts to homeless people in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over a two-day period, the hairstylist had given 70 haircuts right on the street. The experience inspired Eudy to create a free haircut program.
Eudy, a military veteran, discovered his passion for hairstyling after being discharged from the Army due to an injury he suffered in 2000. After completing the hairstylist program, Eudy soon realized he could use his skills, when he wasn’t working, to give back to the community by offering professional haircuts at no cost to those less fortunate. He moved to the city of Jacksonville a few years ago, where he currently works as a stylist at Colors Salon.
Since its inception nine months ago, Haircuts-Hugs-Hope has been providing free haircuts to the homeless and others through scheduled community events. In addition, Eudy has volunteered his time at events in Asheville, Raleigh and Chicago, as well as on Skid Row in Los Angeles. Because of his philanthropy and generous spirit, community members call Eudy their “unsung hero.”
On December 11, Eudy and Haircuts-Hugs-Hope partnered with the City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation to host a day of free haircuts for the community. At the event, which took place at Jack Amyette Recreation Center, Eudy along with 11 hair school students volunteered their time and expertise, providing haircuts to 158 Jacksonville citizens.
“This event was about more than just a haircut,” notes Eudy, “it was about bringing the community together in a time of need.” He adds that today’s society has left some people behind, whereby they are struggling financially and can’t afford a haircut. However, Eudy points out that the free haircuts were not exclusively for the homeless. The purpose was to host a community event where everyone could gather as one and feel welcome.
Looking toward the future, Eudy, says he intends to expand the Haircuts-Hugs-Hope program by creating partnerships with cities across the country.
Vitisia Paynich, Freelance Writer for Parks & Recreation magazine