FREE HAIRCUT SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS AND VULNERABLE IN ALBANY

BY ASAD KHAN AND TANGIORA HINAKI

Amid the cost-of-living crisis, the not-for-profit organization Short Back & Sidewalks has seen strong demand for its free haircut service in Albany.

The service, which partners with local organizations such as the Women's Refuge, Albany Youth Support Association, and the Salvation Army, aims to support homeless and vulnerable people in the community.

CEO Natalie Jenkins noted that the organization is now looking to expand further across the Great Southern region.

"We've had a lot of need, especially over the last few years when things have been pretty tough for a lot of people," Jenkins said. "Given the housing crisis, cost of living, and other factors impacting disadvantaged communities, we have seen a significant increase in demand."

Ms Jenkins also spoke about the organisation's origins and its founder, Craig Hollywood.

"Our founder is an amazing person,"

"His name is Craig Hollywood, and he founded the organization 10 years ago this year,”

“He has always had a real empathy for people experiencing homelessness because he comes from Glasgow, and he had an uncle who sadly passed away when he was a teenager after experiencing homelessness."

Since its inception, Short Back & Sidewalks has operated primarily in Perth and other capital cities, with plans to relaunch its service in Adelaide next week. The service is also available in Melbourne and Sydney.

Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Tangiora Hinaki speak with Natalie Jenkins: