SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As holiday shopping ramps up, local barbershop owners are encouraging people to grab an extra coat or blanket to donate to the homeless this year.
Heat the Streets is in its fifth year and works to keep people warm as the weather gets colder.
“It’s growing every year. The unity of the barbers club is getting bigger. We’re having a bigger impact and now we just want to get the word out because there’s more and more homeless every day,” said Timmel Pittman, United Barbers Club co-owner.
The Sacramento County Point In Time Count found more than 9,000 people were living on the streets — nearly double to what it was three years ago.
“The commonality is that they’re cold, and they need a hat, a scarf, some socks, a blanket or a sleeping bag,” said Cheryl Weston, CW Barber Lounge owner.
Participating barber shops along the busy Broadway corridor have put out large donation boxes for people to drop things off in.
“I know it has been tough for many of us here in Sacramento, especially in our industry as we are still recovering from COVID-19 and the impact that that had on our businesses, but every little bit helps,” said Weston.
Hairdressers and barbers were among the many calling for lawmakers to permit them to be open during the pandemic. They’re saying they want to give back to the community that has helped them.
“We’re going to heat up the streets this winter and make sure the homeless population has blankets and scarves,” said Weston.
Donations are collected and will be distributed on Christmas Day and it’s something the whole family can be part of.
“One of the best things is we bring kids, too. I bring my grandkids and other kids so they can see and witness it. Be a giver before they go home and be gifted,” said Pittman. “There’s times we’re out there praying with some of them, crying with some of them, hugging on some of them because they're human.”
See all nine participating locations below:
- World Class Faders @worldclassfaders 3432 3rd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Upper Kutz Barbershop @upperkutz916 8011 Watt Ave, Antelope, CA 95843
- Paul Mitchell The School Sacramento 2100 Arden Wy #265, Sacramento, CA 95825
- Dorian’s Barber Studio at 8785 Center Pkwy b300, Sacramento, CA 95823.
- 4400 47th Ave #102, Sacramento, CA 95824
- 2050 Town Center Plaza Suite B170, West Sacramento, CA 95691
- 4400 W Elverta Rd, Unit 140 Antelope, CA 95843
- CW Barber Lounge at 4307 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Saint Paul Church of Sacramento at 3996 14th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95820
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