By: Kayla Friedrich
[SPOKANE, Wash.] Spokane Community College’s Inspiration Salon station was a pillar of transformation at the 12th annual Spokane Homeless Connect event on Thursday where nearly 60 cosmetology students used their education to bring new levels of hope and confidence to attendees.
As vendors of Homeless Connect, the largest and longest running homeless and at-risk services event in Eastern Washington, SCC cosmetology students administered free haircuts to people looking to refresh their look and feel new for the second year in a row.
“This is a way to keep the community together,” SCC cosmetology student Amanda Paterson said. “I’m glad we do this because it’s kind of overlooked how much more we can do and give one simple service to someone. I’m really looking forward to doing this for those who don’t have the luxury of doing this on a frequent or regular basis.”
Paterson is in her final quarter of SCC’s cosmetology program and this was her first time volunteering at homeless connect. Aside from a bit of nerves, Paterson was excited to do this before graduating in March.
People left the Inspiration Salon station radiating confidence topped with smiles from ear to ear.
When second year SCC cosmetology student Juan Mora first participated in Homeless Connect in 2023, he was nervous about giving everyone the styles they wanted, but said the nerves went away as people took a seat in his chair, he listened to their stories and saw their reactions to their new styles.
Spokane Community College cosmetology students getting people checked in for free haircuts.
This time around, Mora was excited to be a part of the Homeless Connect and determined to do as many haircuts as the five-hour time slot would allow.
“This year I’m more comfortable because I’ve been learning more techniques,” Mora said. “It makes me feel happy because it’s making other people happy. There is always somebody who can help you to do something.”
Inspiration Salon and Spa is dedicated to delivering quality education while leading students in becoming the best versions of themselves. For more information about Spokane Community College’s cosmetology program, visit the program page.