Ogden Man Offers Homeless Holiday Hope Through Haircuts

OGDEN, Utah — Sometimes inspiration strikes in the most unlikely of places.

For Malcolm Golding, the idea for the perfect holiday gift hit last week while he was going under the scissors at Blades Up Barbershop at Newgate Mall.

“Basically, I came in and had a haircut because I hadn’t in quite some time,” Golding recalled. “I turned around in the chair and (the barber) was telling me a story about how he got involved in cutting hair, and it made me think if he could make me feel that good with a haircut when I turn around, why can’t I repackage that and dish it out!”

Soon, Golding pitched barber Quincy Veazey on a plan to ‘pay it forward’ with haircuts for the homeless.

“This is only something that is going to be contagious and grow into something better and good for everybody,” Golding said Monday, after he and some of his friends transported 10 homeless people from the Ogden Rescue Mission to the barbershop.

While haircuts might not solve homelessness, Golding said he experienced firsthand how losing some locks could help lighten one’s load.

“I’m kind of in the same situation as someone who is homeless,” Golding said. “I battled drug addiction throughout high school, I had a stint that I went to prison.”

Golding attributes encouragement from his Adult Probation and Parole agents in his attempt to break the cycle and put his life on the right path by having “a good day every day.”

“I think hope is a key element in trying to step forward or step out of the norm in the box, I guess, you would put yourself in,” Golding said.

Not only did Golding pool money for the haircuts, he soon enlisted the help of his parents, friends and even businesses to contribute supplies and gift cards and furnish a meal for the homeless.

“He’s a boss, a good dude—it’s pretty dope,” Veazey said. “In a short time, too, he made it all happen. It surprised me. I didn’t expect it to be like this and it went through. Malcolm’s the man, for sure!”

Father John Golding embraced his son at Monday’s event, which Malcolm titled ‘Haircuts for Hope.’

“It’s been a huge, inspiring episode for me and my wife to see how people that care can make the difference for anybody,” the father said. “I just knew when he went this side that he wouldn’t be bad and that—through this whole scenario—lets me know to never give up on anybody or where they may be that, with the power from our Creator, they’ll make it back, and that should inspire anybody to never, ever give up.”

Many of those who received haircuts smiled and expressed gratitude for the kindness of others.

Golding said as he finds himself on his journey, he was grateful to help others find hope this holiday season.

“I get something from seeing an idea transpire and grow into something other than money,” Golding said. “It shows the goodness that there is. Regardless of what my position is or what my circumstances are, I can still be a good person. It doesn’t cost anything.”