Aurora Small Businesses Offer Free Portraits & Haircuts For Hesed House

It was 2am one random evening in the fall, and like every night, my brain decided to come alive. This time swirling with new ideas on how to get connected in my community as an Aurora photographer. My heart has always been for people. Spurred by my love for the Lord and his call to serve others with genuine love (Romans 12:6-18), I hope to use my skills to spread his Light. One way we can do that is by showing up to serve the needs within our own local community. For me, that’s the people of Aurora Illinois and the surrounding suburbs. Thankfully I know of many other Aurora small businesses who share the same passion, and that’s how the idea was born.

It began with a thought to host a free portrait event for those who cannot afford a Christmas photo. As a boutique Aurora family photographer and as a single mother myself, I’m closely familiar with the disparity between luxury and poverty. I’ve lived it, and still to this day am often in need myself. Photos are often the least of our worries when we’re at our lowest, but they can also be incredibly healing and empowering.

That led me to my next thought. Because, what if we did something was more than just photos? I asked myself how I would feel having my photo taken if I was not feeling at my best. Odds are, I’d likely decline. And that got me thinking how we needed a way to serve a more dignifying experience.

One of the most immediate and glaring needs of the community is the population of people experiencing homelessness. Aurora Illinois is home to Hesed House, the second largest homeless shelter in the state. With growing concerns on the increase of housing instability, Hesed’s services are crucial to our community. So, I reached out. I connected with Noemi from the Hesed team and they were gracious to help us coordinate an event to bring out a few members of the adult shelter. Only a select number of people would be able to be accommodated with the limited space and time we had, but it was okay.

The mission was simple:

1. Pamper our guests with a free haircut and shampoo and styling
2. Provide them with a shopping spree from a curated collection of donated goods from the community, so they could feel and look their best
3. Serve up coffee, treats, and refreshments during their time there
4. Take a professional portrait after their makeover, with a printed copy for them to keep
   

Multiple Aurora Businesses Pull Together to Serve Homeless

I am forever grateful and blown away by how many amazing people stepped up to participate. Everyone I asked was excited and eager to pitch in.

Diane and Vanessa, owners of Renew Salon & Spa in downtown Aurora, generously opened their space to host our guests. They brought almost their entire team of stylists in (on a Sunday, no less), who all helped with sorting clothes, setting up, washing and cutting the ladies hair, and wax treatments. I’ll never forget the tears and hugs from the woman who told us how grateful she was.

I had reached out to ask if anyone could donate clothing and winter wear for guests to take home. Dozens of people from around the city contributed shoes, coats, and clothing. We set up an area in the salon where they could browse through and choose something to wear for their photo if they wanted. A huge thank you to Shannon, owner of Wyckwood House, for donating dozens of beautiful pieces. Guests got to take home brand new clothing with tags on.

David Zavala and Josue represented GoodNews Barbershop, a downtown Aurora hotspot where community and culture is a part of their core. David has himself participated in many community projects and was able to offer some insight with planning. They then offered free haircuts to all the men who came by. One thing I noticed is that David and Josue took their time. It wasn’t just about hair, but was an opportunity for conversation and connection.

A big thank you to New City Church and Society57 (also in downtown Aurora) for donating coffee and refreshments for guests to enjoy.

Lastly, we also received a generous donation from Matboard.com, a global company who’s owner saw our efforts online. They sent over a large package of 5×7 mats, which I was then able to use to put the printed photos into. Such a neat way to make the photos even more special and protected!

So many hands pulled together and the space was filled with joy and generosity, and even some tears.

We were able to serve a number of people experiencing homelessness and single parenthood with full service hair treatments, new clothing, and a new portrait of themselves. Personally, I know what it’s like to lose everything, to start over, to be reliant on others, to suffer through the unknowns and upsets, and I’ve been on the other end of receiving the grace and generosity of others and being shown Christ’s love. The heart behind this was to bring dignity and hope.

l’m still pinching myself that that little 2am dream one night was met with such enthusiasm and support from so many amazing people. Proof that love really does conquer all.

How To Help People Experiencing Homelessness in Aurora and Chicago Suburbs

If you have a heart for community and want to give back, considering helping those experiencing homelessness. Hesed House is an amazing organization, and has many opportunities for getting involved. You can volunteer to serve dinner from the kitchen, donate financially, host drives, or contribute to their ongoing list of immediate needs. Visit here for all the information on how to get involved with Hesed House.

Here are several other local Aurora services helping reach those in need of shelter.

• Mutual Ground: Emergency shelter for women and survivors of domestic violence
• Wayside Cross: Transitional housing and recovery programs
• Salvation Army – Aurora: Shelter and emergency services
• World Relief: Offer refugee housing for immigrants
• Hope for Tomorrow: Shelter and housing support for Veterans
• 360 Youth: Youth housing and programming

A full list of Aurora community resources can be found here.

“The Lord has told you what is good,
    and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8