Homelessness and Care: When Personal Grooming Becomes an Act of Dignity

A Small Gesture with a Big Impact

Homelessness and care rarely intersect in everyday life. But through Ithaca’s Pop-Up Villages, even something as simple as a haircut can restore dignity, offer relief, and help someone feel seen again.

Meet Dimitris from The Box Hair Studio

Dimitris, a hairdresser and owner of The Box Hair Studio, has been volunteering with Ithaca for years. With a pair of scissors and an open heart, he brings dignity, confidence and relief to people experiencing homelessness.

“I’ve been a hairdresser for 25 years, and I’ve had my own salon for the past 15. I contacted Marilli at Ithaca, she explained how I could help as a volunteer, and I immediately said yes. The experience has been truly unique, full of emotion — hard to describe in words.”

Homelessness Has Many Faces

“What I realized is that being homeless isn’t just about not having a house. The help you can give someone is precious; it makes you a better person — and improves our whole society.”

Dimitris reminds us that care isn’t only about services. It’s about presence, connection, and restoring a sense of worth.

A Society of Care and Respect

At Ithaca, we believe that every human being deserves care and dignity. Volunteers like Dimitris show us that homelessness and care can — and must — go hand in hand.