ROANOKE, Va. – Millions of Americans are only one missed paycheck away from poverty and homelessness according to the U.S Interagency on Homelessness.
This means if you get fired today, without that next paycheck, you could be on the streets.
Scott Loper is gearing up for one of the biggest days of his life.
“I’m fixin’ to get married in two and a half weeks,” Loper said.
Scott and his now fiancé Karen, have been together for 13 years, and have stayed at the Roanoke Rescue Mission for close to two.
They tell 10 News finding affordable housing in Roanoke is difficult, and has knocked their life plans back.
“The waiting list is sky high,” Scott said.
Even though times are hard for the pair, they’re looking forward to getting married and finding a place of their own.
And like anyone, Scott wants to look his best on his wedding day. But, he hasn’t been able to get a haircut in well over a year.
“Money’s not that easy to come by,” he said.
That’s where the Sylvain Melloul International Hair Academy stepped in.
Tim Jones and Beck Faircloth are barbers and educators at the Lynchburg school.
They tell us their students wanted to come give their time and talents to the rescue mission.
“The guys needed haircuts and they wanted to give back to the community. So we’re just trying to give a good boost and motivation,” Tim said.
Scott said he can’t believe people would donate their time to help.
“It’s like they put us first before them, which is a good thing. That’s a good thing,” Scott said.
And while a haircut doesn’t seem like a big expense to some, Karen said being able to have one for free makes a world of difference.
“Every little bit helps,” Karen said.
Tim said he hopes the haircut has impacts that reach far beyond appearance.
“They’re enjoying themselves. We’re trying to create a positive image for them, and hoping to have a positive impact in their life,” he said.
And while Scott still has butterflies leading up to the wedding day, he knows looking good for his bride-to-be means the world. And he tells us it gets them one step closer to getting out of the mission, and onto their feet.
“To be honest with you, I’m kind of scared, but that’s just the way it goes,” he said.