ADVERTISEMENT

Contrary to what common sense would make us assume, there are several factors that can cause someone to become homeless. Humans are complex and unique from one another. Every person approaches and is impacted by their personal issues differently, and some of these issues can cause someone to lose their home.

Losses, addiction, mental illness, emotional and financial instability, and family abandonment are a few of the numerous circumstances that can lead to homelessness.

Recently a hairdresser in Brazil started an incredible project. At least 3 times a week, he goes out to the streets in search of people he could possibly help. He provides assistance to those people by cutting their hair and beard, doing their makeup, and even giving them clothes for free in hopes of making them feel better.

More info: Facebook | Facebook

Leandro Matias is a 37-year-old hairdresser from Votorantim, Brazil, who, as we mentioned before helps out homeless people around his city. With that being said, Bored Panda reached out to Leandro with some questions! First, we wanted to know how Matias came up with the whole idea of helping these people in the first place.

“I've always had this desire to help people, in fact, I've always helped as much as I could but for over 5 years now I've stuck with it...this is my mission!”

According to Leandro, he approaches quite a few people, however, not many of them want to accept his help, and the opportunity to change their lifestyles. “Yes, haha, I have indeed received many no’s, they even attacked me for wanting to help!"

ADVERTISEMENT

Leandro not only cuts the hair of said people, but he also helps them in many other ways too, “I do the transformation not only by giving a haircut but I also let these people have a bath, food, and some clothes…depending on the person, we seek hospitalization or reconciliation with the family. I also help many families with groceries, clothes, and medicine.”

#4

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
idrow1
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makeover is the most natural looking one so far. What a difference.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Given what the hairdresser revealed so far, we were also wondering how Matias usually finds these people, and here's what he shared with us, “By walking on the streets. If I see someone in dire need of help I stop right away...I do this 3 times a week because of my financial limitation...but my heart's desire is to do 1 a day! As I always say: minus one suffering.”

#6

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Molly Block
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is he also giving botox? Because I've noticed over and over again that these guys are suddenly missing their "11's," and no amount of makeup will take those away., But Botox, or perhaps photoshopping can! So which is it, Leandro?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Nowadays, it is very difficult to trust someone, especially strangers, and Leandro agreed with this statement too, however, he always chooses to believe that people he helps genuinely seek out his help. “Yes, that's true, I confess that I get a little apprehensive... but everything I do is God's permission…he protects me…because it's not easy. Sometimes it’s hard when I’m taking these people home, they have a very strong smell so I get sick sometimes. I know many others are disgusted with them but I see them as spectacular people.”

#8

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
RafCo (he/him)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, the extensions look nice now, but in a couple of weeks, this will just look worse than it did before. It's great work, but it's too bad that she couldn't do something with her natural hair.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Molly Block
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this guy looked better with the longer hair on the sides and top. But much nicer on the beard and mustache.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Some people that Matias has helped even returned to their homes and families. We were wondering how the hairdresser feels making such a difference in someone's life.

“I feel very good, you have no idea of ​​the emotion that goes through my heart, I can't really explain it… As you know, I take a lot of people off the street usually, but there's a resident I took off the street who is now the boss of a company!”

ADVERTISEMENT

We noticed that some of the people not only get new haircuts but also clothes too, therefore, we asked Matias how that came to be. “I buy most of it, but donations always come in too, but as most of the people I help tend to be very thin, then clothes don't fit, so I have to see what other things I can help with.”

#12

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
idrow1
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"ok, jump in this pool of ivory foundation and then we'll begin."

View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tricia Neville
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The haircut and shave might get him a job, but he looks sexier in the first photo.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Lastly, we asked Leandro to share what his dream in regard to those people is.

“My only wish is that they find the way to a dignified and happy life, it's not what I dream of for them, I genuinely just wish them happiness and long life so they never go through all of that again…may God help me to help them always.”

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#16

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Living Example
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, he cut her hair and made it longer, and turned her almost white. How? Love to see an in-process video and see if this is true.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#20

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Pamela Blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really REALLY wish he'd stop doing this hair-style to these guys. They really deserve better.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#22

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tammy Andrews
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I instantly noticed the smiles after the amazing transformations. A+

View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Molly Block
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! You know what would have been really fun? To have gotten all of these people together at one time, in one big gathering, all together, for a group photo. A before and an after group photo. That would have been amazing!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Molly Block
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So pretty. And such sly happy smirks she gives off! I bet she's a prankster. ;-) And a lot of fun!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Brazilian Hairdresser Rescues Homeless People, Transforms Them By Giving Them A Second Chance At Life (39 Pics)

leandromatias1984 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Pamela Blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seriously? OMG Other than the dirt, he was really good looking in the before pic. Now he looks like Peewee Herman!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda