New Las Vegas nonprofit converts Airstream trailer into mobile salon for the homeless

When most people see an Airstream trailer, they think of camping. When Julie Johnson sees one, she thinks of Carestream Inc., a new Las Vegas nonprofit that brings haircuts to the homeless. At the heart of the organization is a 1977 Airstream trailer that has been outfitted inside as a hair salon. Johnson said the Airstream is a visual advertisement for the good work taking place.

“I just like the look of it, the kind of old-school (vibe),” she said.

Johnson is a native Las Vegan who lives in Summerlin. As a hairdresser for 18 years, she’s donated her services to worthy causes before, but about two years ago, the plight of the valley’s homeless came to her attention.

“I went with a girlfriend to do haircuts for the homeless, and in one day, we did 67,” she said, “and I realized then it would be more beneficial to the community if more of us (stylists) became involved.”

The idea for Carestream was born. Johnson located a trailer for sale online, a steal at $2,000.

“But I had to completely redo the inside. It still had a kitchen and bedrooms and stuff in it,” she said. “We completely gutted it. It was fun.”

The “we” includes her handyman and all-around fix-it guy, Korrey Nichols. He was there getting ready to install the sink portion in May.

“I’ve worked on houses; I’ve worked on oil rigs … but I’ve never built a trailer,” he said, adding that the trailer’s rounded walls “made it a lot tougher for sure. The paneling is straight, and you’ve got to put it on a round surface. You’ve got to make it work. It’s a learning experience.”

The 30-foot trailer is outfitted with four styling chairs. It also has a shampooing station.

Having someone wash your hair, Johnson said, is the kind of pampering that homeless people don’t get.

“It’s a huge part of the experience,” she said.

Outfitting the trailer began in February and took five months. Kelly Stewart Events did the design. The project included upgrading the air conditioning, installing a half bath, more than doubling the amount of wall outlets, running new plumbing, and replacing the awning that rolls out for shade.

Funding was the hardest part, Johnson said, estimating she spent at least $70,000.

A big check came from the Las Vegas Sands Corp. In May, Carestream was awarded $25,000 from Sands Cares, its philanthropic arm. Carestream came to its attention after they were both part of a recent event to feed the hungry.

“For Sands Cares to come in and believe in us, it’s huge,” Johnson said. “Before that, we were really stuck, just struggling to get going.”

Since starting Carestream, Johnson has organized haircut events at Catholic Charities, the Shade Tree and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, as well as for veterans and schoolchildren. Her husband, James, goes with her to events, using his Chevy Tahoe to haul the trailer.

The effort involves many people and different ways to give. Carestream has about 50 hairstylists lined up and willing to help. Other volunteers collect clothing to hand out, while some bake cookies to give to those waiting in line.

But Las Vegas is only the beginning: Johnson envisions the nonprofit expanding beyond Las Vegas to touch even more people.

“I want Carestream to be across the U.S.,” she said. “It breaks my heart (to see homeless people). They need to know that they still matter.”

Visit carestreaminc.wixsite.com/carestreamcharity or facebook.com/Julieadamscarestream.

To reach Summerlin Area View reporter Jan Hogan, email jhogan@viewnews.com or call 702-387-2949.