After his neighbor called police after he mistakes him for a homeless man, Huntington Beach father uses art to change conversations around homelessness and parents.
Chapman Hamborg attracted attention last month after posting a video clip on social media, showing interaction with police while on a walk with his new young daughter, Florence.
At the time, the artist, carrying a man’s bread and baggy clothes, was on his second morning walk with Florence in a baby rap career when someone called the police following him.
“Did you go for a walk? “No, I’m not homeless. Just a tired dad.”
Hamborg, a father of four, walks with the baby many times a day, and is surprised that his neighbors didn’t recognize him.
“Apparently I need to work on my appearance,” Hamburg said. “I don’t think being an artist or a tired tad is a valid excuse.”
As the social media video was viewed nearly 50 million times, others blared, raising doubts about the decisions of their neighbors.
“A lot of people in the comments said, ‘What the heck? What if you were homeless? It’s illegal to walk and have a baby and become homeless.” ”
Instead of being upset, Hamburg decided to use this experience as a teaching moment to educate people about homelessness with his art. He reached out to United Way in Orange County to sell a limited edition print of the painting “Unseen Path.” There, the artist himself carries two children.
“We can now provide accurate information about what homelessness is. In April alone, 371 families have sought help and said, ‘I’m in danger now with my children,'” said Beckhayho Khalil of Orange County United to end homelessness.
While teaching and encouraging his children to show compassion about homelessness, Hamburg said he wanted to meet a neighbor who called police.
“I want to know her not to be ashamed of her or anything, but to be wary and thankful for not taking my eyes off her,” Hamborg said.
Some of the limited edition prints of 80 paintings are available for sale. You can also purchase it here.
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