Seattle hair salon helping the homeless during pandemic

SEATTLE — A Seattle hair salon is helping the homeless during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Since Vann Studio in Belltown is temporarily closed, the owner has shifted operations to give away water and hand sanitizer. Outside the shop, a sign is set up encouraging people to take the essential items and grab what they need.

“I am welcoming people to just help themselves,” said salon owner Lisa Vann.

Vann has worked in Belltown for more than 30 years. She has always volunteered to help her vulnerable neighbors, even providing free haircuts.

“Right now I can’t just go out and do haircuts on the streets, and I see a lot of people still out there and so I just felt like there’s got to be something,” said Vann.

Vann decided to give away hand sanitizer, a critical item needed right now to help flatten the curve and keep people safe. Her salon’s shelves are always stocked with this valuable resource, and it’s not being used during the closure. She also wanted to provide bottled water.

“I know that’s something that’s getting harder and harder on the streets to come by, there’s nobody on the streets to give them change for water,” said Vann.

This is now part of Vann’s daily routine, and she says just seeing people smile is all she needs to keep going right now.

“I really think there are so many things we can do if we put our minds together to make a difference, and we can do somethings as long as we are keeping everyone safe,” said Vann.

So far, Vann estimates she has given out 4 gallons of hand sanitizer and more than a thousand bottles of water. She plans to continue giving away these items even after the pandemic.

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