Salon owners in the Bronx distributed 1,400 community resource guides in three months
A WHEDco program turns seven local beauty shops into information hubs for jobs, voting, and housing.
By Kevin Iyer ·
Between July and September 2026, owners and staff at seven South Bronx businesses handed out more than 1,400 informational materials. The documents covered roughly ten services, resources, workshops, and events.
These shops participate in Civic Salons, an initiative by the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation, or WHEDco. The nonprofit uses barbershops and beauty salons to connect neighbors with local aid. The program operates in three specific neighborhoods: Highbridge, Concourse, and Crotona East/Morrisania. It also covers Melrose, near affordable housing complexes developed by WHEDco.
Alcania’s Glamour, located at 1276 Gerard Avenue, is one of the participating sites. Owner Alcania Trinidad says she accepted the partnership when WHEDco approached her. She describes the arrangement as highly useful for her customers. A small table near the styling chairs holds the printed guides. Clients can read them while waiting for a haircut or color.
Trinidad notes that immigration advice and job opportunities generate the most interest. She views the salon as a place where people receive practical help for daily life challenges. The business model relies on the trust stylists build with regulars. Many residents do not know that resources exist in their own neighborhoods. The guides help bridge that gap.
WHEDco trains the shop owners on available free programs. Staff learn how to direct clients to the right organizations. Topics include employment, financial education, childcare, and affordable housing. The program also provides nonpartisan voter education ahead of the November elections. Kerry A. McLean, WHEDco’s vice president of community development, states the goal is to help residents make their voices heard. This includes voting and attending community meetings.
WHEDco staff visit the participating businesses monthly. They update the materials and present new resources. In some shops, the brochures run out before the next visit. Owners then request additional copies for distribution. WHEDco has worked with about 100 personal care businesses in these areas for years. That previous work included business advice and resource exchanges.
The initiative launched in March 2026. It is funded by the New York Women’s Foundation. The current program is distinct from a 2019 effort by the city health department. That earlier project trained beauty school students in basic mental health first aid. Both efforts use the close relationship between stylists and clients as a channel for community support.
The seven participating locations include Alcania’s Glamour, D’Antonia Beauty Salon, Estrella’s Hair Salon, Tania’s Beauty Place, Angel’s Barber Shop, Friendly’s Barber and Spa, and Dominican de Estilo Nuevo. Each shop acts as an information point. Clients must confirm specific requirements and appointments with the service providers directly. More details on WHEDco programs are available at whedco.org.
