He’s proving the true meaning of the City of Brotherly Love — one haircut at a time.

Philadelphia barber B. JaWuan Jones continues to embody compassion through his grassroots initiative Haircuts4Homeless, offering dignity and restoration to unhoused residents across the city. What started as a simple idea has grown into a movement that showcases how small acts of kindness can create life-changing impact.

Recently, Jones experienced one of his most emotional moments since beginning the project. While giving a transformation haircut to a man named Bill, who was celebrating his 56th birthday, Jones noticed something shift.

In an Instagram post shared on June 4th, he wrote:

“Met this guy today named Bill who was celebrating his 56th birthday and needed a haircut. He told me to make it extra special, I did my best! Before I was done I noticed he was starting to get a bit emotional. He said, ‘All I can say is God is good! For the first time in years I can feel good on my birthday!’”

Jones said the moment touched him deeply, reaffirming his mission. As he later shared, “I plan to do this giving-back thing for life.”

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, access to basic grooming services is one of the most overlooked needs among people experiencing homelessness, and simple changes in appearance can boost confidence, self-worth, and opportunities for employment. Jones says he sees that transformation every time he unfolds his barber chair.

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How Haircuts4Homeless Began

Jones first launched the initiative in January 2017, inspired by an idea from his wife, a cosmetologist.

“I was looking for a way to give back to the less fortunate but wanted to be different and unique,” Jones told Because of Them We Can. “My wife gave me the idea to go out and cut a few guys’ hair. After social media took notice, the idea blew up and Haircuts4Homeless was birthed.”

Within just four months, Jones made a life-changing decision. He quit his job as a security officer so he could offer free haircuts to the homeless population of downtown Philadelphia full-time.

“I’ve been a barber for 12 years,” he shared. “I had given it up because the passion wasn’t there. The passion was restored when I started working with the homeless.”

Major news outlets such as CNN and USA Today have highlighted similar grassroots community efforts, noting how personal connection and presence can break through barriers that traditional social programs sometimes miss. Jones’ approach mirrors this impact — meeting people exactly where they are.

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Bigger Dreams for the Future

Jones doesn’t plan to stop at the sidewalk barbershop he sets up near Broadway and Walnut Street. His vision extends far beyond haircuts.

“My goal is to open the ‘Compassion Center,’ a homeless shelter and resource hub for teens and adults experiencing homelessness,” he said.

He’s also searching for a location to move the initiative indoors during the winter months, when harsh Philadelphia temperatures make outdoor work difficult. According to Philadelphia City Office of Homeless Services, winter is the most vulnerable time for the city’s unhoused residents — another reason why Jones is determined to expand.

Throughout this journey, Jones is supported by his wife, who not only encouraged the idea but also joins him on Haircuts4Homeless tours. Together, they operate the initiative independently and fund it themselves, relying on community support to keep it going.

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Restoring dignity, one person at a time

As studies cited by NPR and Harvard Public Health Review show, small acts of personal care — like grooming — can significantly affect mental health and self-confidence among people experiencing homelessness. Jones witnesses this truth daily.

Bill’s heartfelt “God is good!” wasn’t just a birthday celebration — it was a reminder of how deeply a single moment of care can resonate.

Thanks to Jones and Haircuts4Homeless, Philadelphia’s spirit of compassion continues to shine, cut by cut, smile by smile.