Our mission statement

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.

In 2024

4094

There are an estimated 4,094 unhoused people living in Vancouver

2 million

Reported having at least one health condition including a physical disability

1158

At least 1,158 British Columbians died of toxic, unregulated drugs in the first half of 2024, the B.C. Coroners Service says

How we help

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 DTES by sharing their stories as told during their visit to the barber.

What we do

1. We provide haircuts for residents of the DTES and low income communities.

2. We sell coffee table books to raise money for the DTES.

3. We have monthly drives to provide items needed on the DTES.

“We all need to be in a world of service. We live our lives with love and positive thinking.”

- Lousie

our stories

Our Team

Our team of dedicated volunteers come with diverse experiences and are committed to changing the stigma surrounding the DTES and low income communities, rebuilding bridges for a better community in Vancouver.

Our Founder

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

He/Him | This Title

Mihailo has been a professional photographer for over 10 years. His experience is in a wide range of genre’s including commercial, editorial, event-based, product, portrait. 2 Paycheques Away.. has been an eye opening new project on the misconceptions surrounding the residents of the DTES. By telling each unique individual's experience through portrait photography, Mihailo has been able to capture the transformations and share the stories so that others can understand their struggles.

Our supporters

Partnerships & Donors

Donate today and make a difference on the DTES.

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.

Donate today

Important Announcement

2 Paycheques Away..