Haircuts ‘free of charge, free of judgement’
GRACE MILLIMACIThe West Australian
Sat, 25 July 2015 8:00AM
New man: Richard Crizzle. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian.
With his foot tapping in time with the background music, Richard Crizzle sips his coffee and stares into the mirror.
The Animals are on the stereo singing about a soul whose intentions are good, before pleading “Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood”.
And all the while, Mr Crizzle keeps an eye on the tattooed man standing nearby with scissors in his hand.
Barber Justin Howley knows not to chop too much off Mr Crizzle’s salt-and-pepper hair or beard and it isn’t long before his client emerges from under the cape looking like a new man.
“It’s the best haircut I’ve ever had,” the polite and softly spoken 58-year-old says with a grin before asking how much the service costs.
The wash, cut, blow-dry and beard trim is worth $70. But no money changes hands; only a handshake and a pat on the back.
The old-school grooming service is courtesy of Short, Back and Sidewalks, a new Perth project offering haircuts to those in need — whether they are living on the streets or at risk of homelessness, it is “free of charge, free of judgement”.
Founded by Craig Hollywood and Westons Barbershop and Shave Parlour co-owners Justin Howley, 31, and James Howe, 25, the charity is based on similar concepts in cities including New York and Melbourne where barbers approach homeless people and offer free haircuts.
Instead of approaching people in the streets, Short, Back and Sidewalks works with service providers such as St Bartholomew’s House in East Perth, which helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Mr Hollywood, 32, said the familiar environments were safe and hygienic and meant those given a makeover of sorts felt comfortable among strangers.
“The reaction we’ve had is that it gives people a fresh start and makes them feel better about the day,” he said.
“We’re not thinking that this will make people go out and start getting jobs straight away, but if it gives someone the self-confidence to even think about that and going for a job interview then that’s brilliant because it gives people in need a real-life kickstart.”
Mr Hollywood said his idea for the concept, believed to be the first of its kind in WA, was strongly supported by many people and organisations from the outset and “immediately started growing all these legs and arms, which was really exciting”.
“We don't judge or discriminate,” he said.
“The immediate reaction to the project is that these people are dirty or have things like nits, but that's not the case.
“But the barbers don’t have a problem with that — if that's what comes up, that's what comes up.”
The first cutting session — a type of trial — was held in March at the back of a Northbridge arcade that backs on to a carpark.
Short, Back and Sidewalks has since been approached by about 20 charities and there has been interest from the Eastern States.
“It’s a model that can simply happen in any city or any town,” Mr Hollywood said.
The non-profit project welcomes donations that will be used to subsidise the haircuts.
“The more people who get on board, the more events we can do,” he said.
The project is his way of giving back to people who are down on their luck and need a helping hand.
“It’s scary that it could happen to anyone,” the civil designer said.
“If you miss a mortgage payment or you’re unable to pay your rates and things deteriorate it’s a decline that happens and if people don’t have money it puts a strain on a relationship and if the relationship breaks down they can become depressed.
“It can happen to anyone — it doesn’t matter whether you’re the CEO of a company or a guy working in a low-paying job.”
Mr Crizzle, who is moving from St Bart’s Homeless and Transitional Support Service into long-term accommodation with Foundation Housing, said Short, Back and Sidewalks was a kind way of helping people feel good about themselves.
“We’re all human beings,” he said.
For details go to shortbackandsidewalks.com
