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La Red arranges free haircuts for Pallet Shelter residents

May 25, 2023

La Red Health Center recently partnered with Springboard Collaborative and Imagination Hair Styles to provide free haircuts for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Representatives from Seaford-based Imagination Hair Styles and La Red set up a hair style station at Springboard Collaborative’s Pallet Shelter Village in Georgetown May 17. Stylists from Imagination Hair Styles provided about 20 haircuts to residents living in the village. This is the third year La Red has offered free haircuts to homeless individuals in Georgetown.

Homelessness is a growing problem in Delaware and in Sussex County. According to the 2022 Housing Alliance Delaware Report, 2,369 people were counted as homeless in Delaware in 2022, and 34% of Delaware’s homeless population lives in Sussex County.

According to the U.S. Department Health and Human Services, people who experience homelessness experience an 11 times greater risk of death than those who have stable housing. When it comes to the social determinants of health, the lack of housing puts individuals at greater risk for developing chronic diseases, infectious diseases and poor mental health, and increases the likelihood that they may become victims of assault.

Homelessness can be caused by a variety of circumstances, but there is an established link between homelessness and an individual’s health, according to National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

Part of La Red’s mission is to offer health services, including primary and behavioral health services, to people who are homeless. Making connections at events such as Haircuts for the Homeless assists in that mission. Many people who live in the village have jobs and are working toward stable housing.

“Improving someone’s physical and mental health can greatly improve their chances of overcoming homelessness, and ultimately living a longer and healthier life,” said Brian Olson, La Red Health Center CEO. “La Red is happy to participate in events that help people improve their lives and their overall health.”

La Red Health, a federally qualified health center in Sussex County, has provided quality healthcare for individuals and families since 2001. LRHC is committed to ensuring the highest level of care for all individuals and families. LRHC offers primary healthcare, pediatrics, women’s health services, mental health services and dental care at its facilities in Georgetown, Seaford and Milford.

For more information about La Red Health Center, go to laredhealthcenter.org.

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