At 6'4, Seth Hilton stands tall with a warm smile and a funny but important clarification, "No, I'm not related to the Hiltons," he laughs, referring to the family hotel empire. What Seth lacks in inherited wealth, he makes up for in determination, creativity, and an unexpected gift that emerged during one of the most challenging times the world has faced.

Seth, 22, began his journey to The Crib when his desire for independence at 19 led to couch-surfing and then to homelessness. But rather than viewing this as a setback, Seth saw it as a fresh start.

"I didn't see it as the end of something," Seth says. "I saw it as the start of figuring out who I am and what I can do. Every day felt like a chance to build toward something better."

The pandemic brought an unexpected revelation. Unable to visit a barber, Seth decided to cut his own hair and discovered he was a natural.
What started as a necessity became a passion, eventually switching from his studies in architecture to obtaining his professional barber certification.

Now, Seth has transformed his newfound skill into a gift for his fellow Crib residents. Every other Friday, you'll find him offering free haircuts, understanding that sometimes a fresh cut can be the confidence boost someone needs for a job interview or simply to feel better about themselves.

"Getting a haircut can make such a difference," Seth explains."There are so many ways it can be empowering for people."

With encouragement and support from Anthony Monterroso, The Crib's Manager of Youth Engagement Services, Seth has already taken his first major step toward independence—he has a part-time job and it currently looking for more opportunities as an independent barber. His routine-driven approach keeps him focused on his ultimate goals: to have stable housing, financial security, and one day, open his own barber shop and be able to offer jobs to people who are trying to be better.

"Everyone has something going on in their life," he reflects. "If I can make them smile, for me that's great."

Like his favorite video game, Minecraft, Seth is building his life one block at a time, on his own terms, proving that sometimes the most unexpected path can lead to the most meaningful destination.

Seth Hilton gives a young man a haircut at The Crib in perpetration for the start of a new job.