It’s been nearly three months since we brought you the story of Brennon Jones, the local barber who had set out on a mission of kindness to cut hair for the homeless throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
In the time since, he’s received numerous awards, been the subject of “countless” stories – print, online, television and radio – and gotten some nationwide attention courtesy of an appearance on “The Rachael Ray Show.”
“The support has been overwhelming. I had no idea that all of this would happen. I was just out there giving back,” he said, hearkening back to that January interview that prompted an avalanche of attention. “It’s all still a dream. I’m committed to the mission of spreading the love.”
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Now, he’s taking his show on the road.
On Tuesday morning, Jones shared the news that “Haircuts4Homeless is going on tour," explaining that he’s formed a team that will travel to other cities to spread the same sort of compassion that he initially brought to 15th and Walnut streets.
Via a GoFundMe campaign, he’s seeking donations for a “Cutz of Compassion” Tour which will launch after a May 28 event in his hometown, which recently gave him the “Chester Makes Chester” citizenship award.
When he sought volunteers for that Memorial Day Weekend event – it will include fellow barbers and stylists as well as personal trainers, a celebrity chef and nurses – the feedback came from beyond the Delaware Valley.
“I heard from people in Washington, D.C., Miami, Atlanta, Virginia who all wanted to jump on board,” he recounted on the phone Tuesday. “Because they’re not here, it’s hard, so we decided to go on tour. It’ll be five or six stops.”
“It’s all still a dream. I’m committed to the mission of spreading the love.” – Brennon Jones
It’s a costly endeavor, traveling with barbers and supplies, which led to the crowdfunding effort to supplement letters he’s sent local business owners asking for donations of money or items for the local effort and tour.
“The tour’s going to happen regardless,” said Jones, "but it’s definitely going to take some financial backing.”
In the meantime, he’ll still be out on the streets in and around Philadelphia cutting hair. On Monday, he was on Broad Street. He’s still deciding whether to hit Camden or Trenton on Wednesday.
“I’ve done about five (haircuts a day) when I go out, which is any warm day, any day without rain,” said Jones. Asked how many free haircuts he's provided, he responded, “I’ve stopped counting.”