A simple haircut can mean so much more. Thanks to a new partnership with Saint Hair in Portland’s Kenton neighborhood, women at Catholic Charities Kenton Women’s Village are receiving free salon services that help restore dignity, confidence and connection.
When Amanda and Alaina Alberts opened Saint Hair in Portland’s Kenton neighborhood this past summer, they envisioned more than a salon. They wanted to build a space where everyone, no matter their background, felt seen, celebrated and welcomed.
Just a few months later, their new small business is already living that mission in a deeply personal way, by offering free haircuts, washes and styles to women at Kenton Women’s Village (KWV), a Catholic Charities program providing transitional shelter and community for women experiencing homelessness.
“It has been such a pleasure working with Allison and the women at the village. When Allison reached out to us about donating our time, I didn’t hesitate! Kenton and North Portland in general is very community-oriented so when this space became available to us we had to jump on it,” Amanda said.
“Helping out the community hits home for me as my brother has struggled with his mental health, addiction and being houseless. I think everyone should have the opportunity to get pampered and get good service, no matter where you are in life. A haircut can be so transformative for people, and being able to hold space for these women has been a joy and it validates why I do what I do.”
So far, four village residents have used their Saint Hair vouchers, each returning with smiles and stories of newfound confidence. One of them, Lesley, hadn’t been to a salon in 10 years.
“Getting my hair cut was blissful and made me feel like I was getting back to my regular self,” Lesley shared. “It helped me feel like I was regaining my footing, and it was one more step out of homelessness.”
When Allison Pantano-Rumsey, KWV program coordinator, accompanied Lesley to her appointment, she witnessed something far more profound than a haircut.
“I loved seeing the look of pure happiness on Lesley’s face as she had her hair cut and washed and her scalp massaged,” Allison said. “Amanda was easygoing, attentive, and the conversation flowed naturally. It was amazing to see the transformation in Lesley. The haircut really brought out the natural beauty of her gray hair.”
For Allison, this partnership reflects Catholic Charities’ deeper mission.
“I want to provide more at the village besides meeting basic needs,” she said. “I want to foster, dignity, self-care and worthiness, and getting a haircut is a small act of human connection that can make someone feel seen and valued.”
That sense of dignity is at the heart of Saint Hair’s approach: No egos, no judgment. Just great hair. That’s not marketing fluff, Amanda says, it’s a lived value. For women like Lesley, who are rebuilding their lives after experiencing homelessness, a simple haircut can represent renewal, healing and hope.
Catholic Charities is grateful to the Saint Hair team for using their talents to uplift our community and remind us that compassion often starts with small acts of kindness.