Artwork displayed at a community event advocating for homelessness awareness.
After a viral misunderstanding led to a police response, Huntington Beach artist Chapman Hamborg is using his experiences to advocate for homelessness awareness. He is selling limited edition prints of his artwork, with proceeds benefiting Orange County’s United to End Homelessness initiative. Additionally, Hamborg will participate in community events focusing on art’s role in raising awareness about homelessness, while emphasizing the need for empathy towards those in difficult situations.
Huntington Beach, CA – Artist Chapman Hamborg has transformed a recent misunderstanding into a driving force for awareness about homelessness following an incident in which he was mistakenly identified as homeless while walking in his neighborhood with his baby. During this encounter, a concerned neighbor contacted the police, resulting in a police officer arriving at Hamborg’s home to investigate the situation.
The incident took place on a Friday morning in April. Hamborg was dressed casually in a Patagonia jacket and worn clothing, including a slipper with a hole and long hair tied in a bun. As he carried his baby in a sling, the neighbor found his appearance disconcerting and proceeded to follow him home, ultimately leading to the police involvement. Afterward, Hamborg recorded an Instagram reel detailing the experience, which has since gone viral, amassing nearly two million views and over 32,000 comments, also attracting the attention of various media outlets.
In light of the incident, Hamborg has decided to channel his experience into a positive advocacy effort. He is now selling limited edition prints of his original painting titled “Unseen Paths.” Twenty percent of the proceeds will go to the Orange County United Way’s United to End Homelessness initiative. The painting, which he completed prior to the incident, serves as a visual representation of the themes of beauty juxtaposed with the darker undertones associated with homelessness.
To further engage the community in discussions about homelessness, Hamborg is set to participate in an event at the Orange County Museum of Art called “Conversations with Artists” on June 4. He will join Becks Heyhoe-Khalil, the executive director of Orange County United Way’s homelessness initiative, to discuss the importance of art in creating awareness. In addition to this event, Hamborg will host a livestream titled “Art and Advocacy: A Studio Conversation with Chapman Hamborg” from his studio on June 21.
According to a poll conducted by the University of California, Irvine for Orange County, a significant 71% of residents regard homelessness as a serious problem. As of March, 410 families, including 715 children, were registered as experiencing homelessness in the county. Concerns have been raised regarding the expiration of emergency housing vouchers and potential cuts to federal rental assistance, which could exacerbate the situation for vulnerable families.
Despite the initial misunderstanding, Hamborg holds no resentment towards the neighbor who called the police. Instead, he expresses gratitude for the vigilance displayed towards safety. Through his advocacy efforts, Hamborg emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding for families experiencing homelessness, noting that appearances can often be misleading. He urges the community to recognize that not everyone who is homeless visibly fits the stereotype.
The incident has sparked wider discussions about homelessness in Huntington Beach and has highlighted the need for increased awareness and support for families in difficult situations. As Hamborg continues to share his message through art and community engagement, he aims to foster greater empathy and understanding in the fight against homelessness.
Artist’s Viral Misunderstanding Sparks Dialogue on Homelessness
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