Participants at the art event contribute to ongoing discussions about homelessness.
A misunderstanding in Huntington Beach has motivated artist Chapman Hamborg to raise awareness about homelessness. After being reported as homeless due to his appearance while carrying his daughter, Hamborg shares his experience online, garnering significant attention. He is donating part of his artwork sales to homelessness initiatives and engaging the community in conversations about the issue. With rising concerns over homelessness in Orange County, his efforts aim to challenge perceptions and promote understanding.
A peculiar incident in Huntington Beach, California, has led to a local artist initiating meaningful conversations about homelessness. Chapman Hamborg, a 32-year-old father and artist, was reported to the police while walking with his infant daughter due to a neighbor’s misinterpretation of his appearance. This incident occurred on Good Friday last month, while Hamborg was giving his wife a moment of respite.
The misunderstanding stemmed from Hamborg’s casual attire, which included long hair styled in a bun, worn clothing, and one slipper with a hole. These visual cues led the neighbor to mistakenly believe that he was homeless. A police officer was dispatched to Hamborg’s home near Sowers Middle School to investigate the report.
Upon learning that he had been reported as a homeless person, Hamborg was taken aback and proceeded to document the experience on video. The footage quickly gained popularity, amassing nearly two million likes and over 32,000 comments on Instagram.
In light of this misunderstanding, Hamborg seized the opportunity to positively influence the situation by offering limited edition prints of his artwork titled “Unseen Paths.” He pledged to donate 20% of the proceeds to homelessness initiatives in Orange County, in collaboration with the Orange County United Way.
The painting was completed prior to the incident but resonates with themes relevant to family support and the intricacies of homelessness. Hamborg’s initiative has gained traction, capturing the attention of Becks Heyhoe-Khalil, the executive director of the Orange County United Way’s United to End Homelessness initiative. This connection has lead to collaborative discussions about addressing homelessness in the area.
As part of his efforts to raise awareness, Hamborg is scheduled to participate in a “Conversations with Artists” event at the Orange County Museum of Art on June 4, alongside a special livestream titled “Art and Advocacy: A Studio Conversation” on June 21.
Recent data from a 2023 UCI-OC poll indicates that a significant 71% of Orange County residents view homelessness as a pressing issue, underscoring the struggles many families face in securing stable housing. As of March, the family Coordinated Entry System in Orange County recorded 410 homeless families, which included 715 children, with 244 of those children being under the age of five.
Hamborg has acknowledged the challenges connected to the homelessness issue, emphasizing that an individual’s clothing or appearance does not imply danger or poor parenting. He regards the misunderstanding as a valuable opportunity to promote discussions that foster greater understanding and awareness of homelessness within the community.
The neighbor who initially reported Hamborg has yet to express any form of apology; however, he plans to approach her for a constructive conversation, recognizing her concern for the safety of the neighborhood. The incident has also attracted national media attention, including coverage in a popular magazine, where Hamborg has become known as “the homeless guy” in a context that he aims to redefine.
Despite the viral nature of his experience, Hamborg’s focus remains on elevating discussions regarding homelessness and encouraging communities to confront their perceptions. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the issue and the importance of approaching it with compassion and understanding.
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