There are many misconceptions surrounding those living on the Downtown East Side (DTES). 2 Paycheques Away unlocks new perceptions of spirited and resilient individuals from the DTES by sharing their stories as told during their visit to the barber. This initiative lends a head start to those taking a next step and rebuilds bridges and relationships among Vancouverites of all walks of life.
First impressions count and no one knows that better than the residents of the DTES. To help others better understand the stigma faced by our neighbours in the DTES we offer free haircuts and, if given permission, take before and after photos so everyone can see the changes not just in their hairstyle but in their expressions. The photos remind everyone how easy it is to make assumptions about others based on their appearance and their stories remind everyone of their humanity. At 2 Paycheques Away we believe that helping people feel better about themselves is the first step toward improving their world and how the world views them.
2 Paycheques Away.. unlocks new perceptions of spirited and resilient individuals from the Downtown East Side (DTES) by sharing their stories as told during their visit to the barber.
1. We provide complimentary haircuts for residents of
the DTES and low income communities.
2. We sell coffee table books to raise money for the
DTES.
3. We provide various items, by donation, that are
needed on the DTES.
– Lousie
Alysha Osborne
Alysha has been in the hair industry for 11 years. She started her career in salons and moved into barbering in 2011. While living in Gastown she became friends with some downtown eastsiders and began seeing the way they were being treated from others. Having experience with addiction in her family, she decided to start 2 Paycheques Away.. to change the stigma around addiction, homelessness and mental health on the DTES. “We’re all 2 paycheques away from being in a different place.”
Roman Ansari
Amid uncertainties surrounding U.S. immigration policies during the Trump era, Roman made the bold decision to leave behind an established life and relocate to Canada. Granted protected status in 2019, he set out to rebuild.
By January 2021, he joined the education sector and, through dedication and leadership, rose to Director of Admissions at a Vancouver campus, helping over 2,000 students launch new careers and secure funding in under two years.
That same year, Roman and two students founded Heart Tattoo Society, a nonprofit officially registered in November 2021. Today, it provides more than 20,000 meals each month through food recovery and continues expanding community resources.
In 2024, Roman became Director of 2 Paycheques Away charitable society, guiding its growth and broadening its impact across the community.
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The volunteers contributed their time towards cleaning up the city. We’re trying to raise money for a new school, and we’re hoping that everyone will contribute. He did not contribute to the project.
Financial donations to our charity help us better serve the residents of the DTES by keeping our equipment and PPE up to date, enabling us to take more photos, produce more books and share more stories.
