Help Matt’s Barber Shop Rebuild After a Devastating Flood

Matt’s Barber Shop is more than a place to get a haircut. It is a cornerstone of the Allston–Brighton community.

Owned and operated by Matt, alongside barbers Jesse and Jake, the shop is known for great music, deep roots in the local arts scene, and being a genuinely welcoming space, especially for LGBTQ+ folks and for people new to Boston, whether from elsewhere in the U.S. or abroad.

This fundraiser is being organized by customers and regulars of the shop. I am also a local small business owner in the area, and this effort comes from seeing firsthand how quickly something like this can threaten a small, independent business.

Over the weekend (~February 8, 2026), a pipe burst in the apartment above the barbershop, flooding the space and forcing an immediate closure. The damage was extensive. This was not caused by Matt, Jesse, Jake, or the business, but they are the ones facing the consequences.

With the shop unusable, income has stopped entirely.

While insurance and landlord responsibilities are still being sorted out, the reality is immediate. Cleanup, repairs, damaged equipment, and potentially securing temporary space all cost money, while the barbers still need to pay rent, bills, and living expenses.

Why We’re Raising $50,000

Rebuilding a small, independent shop without cutting corners, and floating the business and its staff until reopening, is expensive. This fundraiser is meant to help keep Matt’s Barber Shop viable long enough to reopen properly.

100% of funds raised will go directly to Matt’s Barber Shop to support cleanup, recovery, and keeping the business and its barbers afloat during this closure.

Your Support Will Help Cover

If you have ever gotten a cut at Matt’s, felt welcome there, or care about preserving independent, community-rooted businesses, please consider donating or sharing.

Photos, video, and links to the shop are included for transparency.

Shop website: https://www.mattsbarbershop617.com/

Video of Flood: https://photos.app.goo.gl/6pTxZEWb3KVdvog78

Thank you for supporting Matt’s Barber Shop and the Allston–Brighton community.