Holy Family Warming Shelter offers free haircuts thanks to generosity of volunteer

At the Holy Family Warming Shelter, respecting the dignity of each person is at the heart of its mission. This was seen recently when the shelter offered free haircuts to adults in need in our community.

Every year from November 1 to April 30, the Holy Family Warming Shelter offers adults who are experiencing homelessness a warm place to sleep, a good meal to eat, access to hygiene services and community resources, and compassionate care.

This summer, for the first time since operations began in 2023, the Holy Family Warming Shelter has opened its doors on Tuesdays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm June 9 to August 18 to offer a cooling shelter. Those experiencing homelessness can come inside to escape the heat, rest, eat a meal, and utilize the shelter’s laundry and shower facilities.

“So often, we tend to think of homelessness and its impact during the winter, but if you are experiencing homelessness, the heat can have as much of an impact as the cold. We want people to know that there is a place for them to get out of elements, relax, and care for themselves,” Holy Family Director of Human Concerns Erin Cobb said.

Services like laundry and showers also help people to maintain their hygiene, and in turn a sense of dignity. Studies show that not only does access to regular showers and

laundry help to reduce the spread of communicable diseases, but also promotes good mental health, a sense of dignity, and an “increased likelihood of transitioning out of homelessness through obtaining a job or a housing placement,” according to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Knowing the importance, it only made sense to say “yes” when Holy Family Catholic Community Social Media and Communications Assistant and licensed Cosmetologist Regina Alexaieff offered to give free haircuts to guests at the shelter this summer.

“When Regina approached us with this idea, we were automatically on board. We know that for those in need, a haircut can be an easily cut expense, and there might just not be an opportunity to get one. But through Regina’s generosity, we were able to bring this incredible service right to the people who needed it and without any cost barrier,” Cobb said.

A cosmetologist for more than 20 years, Alexaieff saw the haircuts as a way to give back, and to care for those in the community who are most in need.

“I’ve always believed that everyone deserves to feel good about themselves. A haircut might seem like a small thing, but it can really boost someone’s confidence and help them feel cared for. I was grateful for the opportunity to volunteer at the Holy Family Warming Shelter because it gave me a chance to use the skills I’ve been given to help others in a meaningful way. I hope everyone who sat in my chair left knowing they were valued and that someone genuinely cared about them,” Alexaieff said.

Alexaieff and the Holy Family Warming Shelter plan to offer more haircuts in the months to come and during shelter season. Future haircut dates will be shared on the parish’s Facebook page, Holy Family Catholic Community Fond du Lac, and Instagram @hffdl.

“We are so grateful that Regina will continue to share her talents with us and that we will be able to help our neighbors in another way,” Cobb said, “We are always looking to ensure the dignity and promote the self-esteem of those we serve, and a haircut is a way of doing just that.”