Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Haircuts for the homeless

They need to look spiffy for the Democratic Convention in case they don't use the free zoo and movie tickets to get out of the way:


CBS4 Denver reports Sly's Salon in Denver is providing free haircuts to the homeless in advance of the Democratic Convention. The effort was organized by Denver Human Services.

It seems to be a first -- don't move the homeless, clean them up. That was the work of one salon and the recipients didn't even seem to care if the Democrats were coming to town. Sly's Salon at 17th and Grant was offering free haircuts to the homeless Monday. "To give them haircuts and make them all spiffed up for the Democratic National Convention, because they are part of our community as well," said Ghandia Gohnson, co-owner of Sly's Salon.
..........

CBS 4 Denver also reports there's some evidence police are cracking down on the homeless.
A businessman came up to CBS4's Rick Sallinger and suggested doing a story on how police are now cracking down on the homeless in the Park Avenue area. A minute later several squad cars drove up and began questioning people. One man was handcuffed, but later released.
Another approach: Free movie and museum passes and mass transit tickets. Denver police deny they are trying to hide the homeless:
Where are we going to hide our homeless during the convention? The short answer: We don't hide the homeless -- ever," Denver police and homeless advocates said in Denver's newspaper written by the homeless. The city says it is encouraging the homeless to take part in the convention week activities for the public.


via Talkleft