In a show of community support during a challenging time for many local residents, Larry’s Barber College is offering free haircuts this Tuesday at its South Side campus. The offer comes amid delays in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit disbursements, which have left some area residents financially stretched.
About the college and its mission
Larry’s Barber College is a well-known barber training institution on Chicago’s South Side, with multiple locations including 10456 S. Halsted Street in the Washington Heights neighborhood. The college provides barbering programs aimed at offering career pathways, especially in communities of color. Its influence in the area makes it a natural partner for community-driven initiatives.
The free haircut initiative
On Tuesday, the college is opening its doors to anyone in need of a free haircut—no charge. The school is encouraging residents impacted by the SNAP benefit hold to take advantage of the offer. While the school normally provides paid services or training-client sessions, this one-day event is explicitly designed to ease the financial burden for those who may be missing their usual SNAP support.
Why now?
The temporary hold on SNAP benefits has caused concern for many families and individuals relying on the program for food assistance. By offering free haircuts, Larry’s Barber College is stepping in to relieve one small cost in a time of increased stress. According to the owner, community service has long been a part of their mission: “I’ve been doing them since the 90s,” referencing previous free-cut clinics for migrants and unhoused individuals. The timing aligns with the need for support across the South Side.
What to expect
The college staff and student-barbers will provide standard haircut services, while the campus atmosphere remains training-focused but welcoming to the public. Residents can walk-in or register in advance (depending on the college’s guidelines). The college is aiming to serve as many people as possible in its barber-training chairs. While the free haircut event is one day, it underscores the institution’s broader commitment to the neighborhood.
Broader impact
Beyond the haircut, the initiative sends a strong message: that businesses and education-based institutions can act swiftly and compassionately in a time of need. As many in the area face ripple effects from benefit delays, minimizing one expense—even as basic as a haircut—can help alleviate stress and maintain dignity. In previous events, Larry’s Barber College offered full haircut clinics to migrants and unhoused residents in the community.
Looking ahead
While this Tuesday’s free haircut event is a one-off response to the SNAP benefit delay, it may spark further collaborations. The college may expand similar support services or partner with other community relief programs. For now, local residents of the South Side are invited to take advantage of this gesture of solidarity.
