SIX homeless women from Coventry were treated to a confidence-boosting makeover with the help of a makeup artist and her team.
The women, aged between 20 and 48, live at the Gateway, one of the city’s homeless residences.
The group were given the full treatment from makeup to hairstyling and even new outfits thanks to generous clothing donations from local residents.
Gateway’s housing support manager Gail Cooper was inspired by ‘Haircuts for the Homeless’ and after a chance meeting with city makeup artist Cindy Bansal in a nail bar her dream quickly became a reality for some of her residents.
Gail says: “Homeless people sometimes get bad press. I have the privilege of getting to know our residents at Gateway, many of who have had tough backgrounds.
“For many of the women involved in this event, they have little confidence and lack self-esteem.
“I think the makeovers have helped show the women that they are valued and supply them all with a much-needed confidence boost.
“It’s amazing how putting on a bit of lippy can really increase confidence levels. I can’t thank Cindy enough for her support.”
A resident who took part in the make-over is Divine, who previously worked in the beauty industry in London prior to becoming homeless.
Divine said: “I feel so grateful to Gail and Cindy.
“Today is more than just the event. They’ve organised this event in their own personal time which proves how much they care.
“I moved to Gateway in November and I really like it here. It’s so much more than just somewhere to stay. I’ve enjoyed today but it was more about taking part and being grateful for what everyone has done when they didn’t need to.
“Cindy has offered to be my mentor moving forward which is great. It’ll help me continue to provide pamper sessions for Gateway residents.
“We need to make this a regular thing to put the smiles back on residents’ faces. It’s definitely been a day to remember.”
Gail and her team gave all the residents who took part in the makeovers a gift card to go out and have a meal together last night to show off their new looks.
WM Housing Group’s Gateway opened in 2015 and provides 61 flats and two apartments for homeless people.
Residents 25 years and over are supported by The Salvation Army and 18-24-year-olds receive floating support from St Basils.
