Life seems much faster in today?s age when compared to prior generations. With the ever-increasing nature of technology, individuals throughout the world are fully consumed by their computers, phones, tablets, and any sort of advanced technological implement one could use for their own personal enjoyment.
As a result, we often become self-indulgent by default. This might not be a conscious decision ? though the lives of ourselves have become focal points when compared to others around us. Charitable acts are often praised and lauded. However with the hectic nature of anyone?s personal life, it?s not always easy to help others out on a regular basis.
The same cannot be said for Philadelphia native Brennon Jones. He has dedicated his life to helping out the homeless population in the ?City of Brotherly Love?. He routinely will cut their hair and give them meals ? free of charge. One day, a complete stranger approached Jones on the street. From that point on, Jones?s life was changed forever in a wonderfully positive way.
Image Source: Rachael Ray Show YouTube Channel
Brennon JaWuan Jones grew up in Chester, Pennsylvania. The 29-year-old has long had a passion for cutting hair. A trained barber, Jones has been working as a hairdresser for upwards of 11 years. After initially garnering employment as a wardrobe stylist, it became clear that Jones wanted nothing more than to cut hair.
On his way to work one morning, Jones came across a homeless man named Braden. He offered him a dollar and some food (a banana) before departing. However, the encounter didn?t sit well with Jones. He continued to think about the man throughout the day. As a result, he tracked the man down after work in order to offer one more charitable act.
Image Sources: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images
Jones found Braden and gave him a haircut. It was something he enjoyed ? particularly since it combined his love of people with the talent he possessed when working with hair. Little did Jones know, but this chance encounter helped spur on a movement which took all of Philadelphia by storm.
Image Source: NY Daily News
?I just wanted to provide something different than some change or a couple dollars. I?m blessed with a talent, so why not share it and make someone?s day? I just wanted to give back. I?ll be out here every day that I can. I?ll go out to West Philly, North Philly, every section of Philadelphia, Chester, Camden and cut hair. Then, I want to rent a hall and have a big dinner for them all to come to. I hope to do that sometime around Thanksgiving.?
Image Source: New York Daily News ; Link to Jones quote
On a daily basis, Jones began cutting the hair of any person in need of one. Setting up shop in downtown Philadelphia, Jones made a makeshift ?barber chair? for those who?d wander up to him.
Image Source: KT/Tim De Waele/Corbis via Getty Images
The program initially started off as an effort within Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. However, it then turned into something much bigger. As Jones?s popularity grew, he realized the need to reach a larger network of people.
Image Source: Jones Instagram page
In May of 2017, Jones started the ?Cutz of Compassion Tour.? This 3-month tour took Jones to seven cities across the United States. His main mission was to yet again give back to the community for those without the normal means of an everyday person.
Image Source: Jones Instagram Page
?A lot of people ask me [when I will] stop. I will never stop. My heart is invested. I never took barbering so serious until now. When you?re on a mission and God has put you on this path, nothing should stop you.?
Image Source: Rachael Ray Show YouTube Channel; Link to Jones quote
Image Source: FOX 29 Philly YouTube Channel
In addition to providing these individuals with free haircuts, Jones also offers them meals, toiletries, games, gloves, shoes, and prizes. A man named Sean Johnson had noticed Jones?s burgeoning enterprise. Little did Jones know that Johnson would one day completely change his life.
Image Source: Brian Hickey/Phillyvoice
Johnson owned a barber shop right down the street from where Jones liked to operate his business. Approaching Jones, Johnson offered his praise for what he?s seen over the months. He proceeded to offer Jones a job ? though Jones politely declined the overture. Johnson wondered what Jones would do once the harsh Philadelphia winter season hit.
Image Source: KT/Tim De Waele/Corbis via Getty Images
After months of no contact, Johnson reached out to Jones yet again to discuss the impending snowy period of time. The thought was that Jones couldn?t possibly operate this outdoor enterprise with inclement weather on the horizon.
Image Source: FOX 29
Walking with Jones down the street, Johnson took him to an unused building that he owned. Inside, Jones was surprised to see a fully renovated ? and vacant ? barber shop. What Johnson said next to Jones was absolutely mind-boggling.
Image Source: Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Johnson offered the building to Jones as a means to continue providing haircuts to the homeless throughout the year. Standing in the building speechless, Jones watched as Johnson tossed him the keys to the property. As Johnson walked out, he said to Jones ?It?s all yours, no strings attached!?
Image Source: Brian Hickey/YouTube Channel; Link to Jones quote
It may seem bizarre that a complete stranger would offer Jones this golden opportunity. However, much of it stems from Johnson?s own past. He participated in barber school whilst serving a 6-year prison sentence. Grateful for the chances given to him by others, Johnson wanted to pay it back with this gesture. In November of 2017, Phenomenon Perfection Barber Lounge opened for business.
Image Source: Brian Hickey/YouTube Channel
Jones dedicates every Monday towards helping the homeless at his shop. In addition to giving haircuts and lunches, Jones also has paired with medical professionals to offer free health screenings. Working closely with local shelters, Jones has even arranged for transportation to-and-from the shop for those requiring it.
Image Source: Jones Instagram Page
Jones has become a bit of a local celebrity through his efforts to help those in need. He?s been featured in numerous newspaper articles and throughout social media. One of Jones?s earliest videos reached more than two million views. However, his biggest bit of notoriety came during an appearance on the Rachael Ray Show.
Image Source: Rachael Ray Show YouTube Channel
Jones was able to voice his story to millions and millions of people. After broadcasting a personal interview, an emotional Ray spoke about the respect she had for Jones and everything he stood for. Unsurprisingly, the audience in attendance was extremely loud in its support of Jones.
Image Source: Rachael Ray Show YouTube Channel
Jones has nearly 10,000 followers on Instagram. The following has truly enabled his business to grow. Within the same token, Jones has a platform from which he can preach about the cause of helping out homeless populations all over the country. He?s even taken to creating ?GoFundMe? accounts with the goal of raising funds. Above all else, Jones has the goal to empower these disenfranchised people with self-worth and respect.
Image Source: Jones Instagram Page
Brennon Jones has big dreams. He one day wants to travel across the country ? and to other countries throughout the world ? in order to promote this worthwhile cause. However for right now, he?s making a huge difference in the homeless community within the city of Philadelphia. Millions could stand to take a page out of Jones?s book as it pertains to charitable efforts and overall acts of decency.
Image Source: Rachael Ray Show YouTube Channel