WHEREAS, In early January 2017, Brennon Jones took to the streets of Center City Philadelphia with a mission to provide “Haircuts 4 the Homeless” free of charge to Philadelphia’s homeless population. The 29 year-old barber had crowdraised over $1,000 within a week to help fund his effort; and
WHEREAS, Along with free haircuts, Jones provided his clients with free toiletry kits, lunches, prizes, and games. His focus was to provide them with a greater sense of dignity and self-respect. This movement of brotherly love took him across all neighborhoods of the City; and
WHEREAS, Within 10 months, Jones had given free haircuts to over 1,000 people through “Haircuts 4 the Homeless”. Many people took note. Jones appeared on the Rachael Ray Show and went on a “Cutz of Compassion” Tour to 12 cities. Despite the increased attention, he never strayed from his goal of using his talent to show people care; and
WHEREAS, In April, Sean Johnson, the owner of Tapers Barber Shop in Ogontz, saw Jones cutting hair and offered him a job at his business. Jones declined, saying that after 11 years of cutting hair, his “Haircuts 4 the Homeless” mission had given him the most satisfaction and purpose; and
WHEREAS, Johnson met Jones with a different, more miraculous offer in October. Asking Jones what his plans were for when winter arrived, Johnson brought him to another (at the time unopened) barbershop he owns, doors down from Tapers Barber Shop on Old York Road. Once inside, Johnson gave Jones the keys and said Jones could have the fully furnished store if he wanted it; and
WHEREAS, In November, Phenomenon Perfection Hair Studio, the barbershop run by Brennon Jones and gifted to him by Sean Johnson, had its grand opening on Old York Road in Ogontz; and
WHEREAS, Phenomenon Perfection Hair Studio will continue Jones’s mission of providing free haircuts for the homeless, offering haircuts exclusively for the homeless every Monday along with lunches and health screenings; and
WHEREAS, The story of Brennon Jones, Sean Johnson, and “Haircuts 4 the Homeless” exemplifies the Philadelphia values of brotherly love and compassion. The radical generosity displayed by both men to serve the poor and homeless is a beacon of light in the City and an example of the impact that is possible through dedication to a noble cause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors Brennon Jones for his “Haircuts 4 the Homeless” mission and Sean Johnson for donating a barbershop, now called Phenomenon Perfection Hair Studio, to keep the mission alive.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of the resolution be presented to Brennon Jones and Sean Johnson as evidence of the gratitude of this legislative body.
End