Barber In Philadelphia's Kensington Neighborhood Says Streets Are Cleaner But People Still Need Connection

CBS Philadelphia

March 29, 2025

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker in June launched an initiative to clean up the Kensington neighborhood, a community long plagued by addiction. While the streets may be cleaner, the true impact of these efforts can be seen through the stories of people like barber Joshua Santiago, whose commitment to his community goes beyond just a good haircut.

Santiago founded his nonprofit Empowering Cuts in 2017 and has spent nearly a decade providing free haircuts to people experiencing homelessness in Kensington. He believes in the power of human connection, and his work reflects a deep passion for the neighborhood and its residents.

"A lot of people are quick to judge, but they don't understand. What I cherish the most is getting to know these individuals for who they really are," Santiago said.

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