What if a photograph could change the way we see homelessness? That question led to the traveling homelessness awareness exhibit making its rounds throughout Orange County.
The creator, Alejandro Santiago, Manager of Community Engagement for United to End Homelessness, an Orange County United Way initiative, wanted to create a piece that would combine art, storytelling, history, and community voices to inspire curiosity and conversation.
The result turned into a traveling homelessness awareness exhibit called “WHO SOLVES HOMELESSNESS?”
Through powerful portraits and personal narratives, the exhibit invites visitors to consider a simple yet profound question: Who solves homelessness? The answer, Santiago hopes, may surprise them.
An Idea Inspired by Unsung Heroes
The exhibit began with a much smaller concept.
“The initial idea was to create a ‘hall of heroes’ that would celebrate Orange County’s unsung heroes, people who go above and beyond to help people experiencing homelessness,” Santiago recalls.
As he began developing the project, however, he realized there was an opportunity to tell a deeper story.
“That idea then grew into a traveling photo exhibit that also included a written aspect to tie local stories with a historical perspective. I wanted to create a piece that would spark curiosity around homelessness through art.”
That vision eventually became “WHO SOLVES HOMELESSNESS?” a traveling homelessness awareness exhibit featuring black-and-white portraits, personal stories, historical milestones, and local context. By connecting individual experiences with the larger history of homelessness in America, the exhibit encourages visitors to move beyond assumptions and engage with the issue in a new way.
Why History Matters
One of the most distinctive elements of the exhibit is its historical component.
While many visitors may expect a photography exhibit to focus solely on the individuals featured in the portraits, Santiago intentionally incorporated a historical timeline that examines the evolution of homelessness in the United States. The exhibit explores how economic changes, public policy decisions, healthcare systems, and shifting social conditions have influenced homelessness over time.
The inspiration came from an unexpected source.
“The idea of bringing the historical perspective into this project came from reading a book by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, in which he explains his creative process and how the history of a place informs the buildings he creates.”
That concept stayed with Santiago.
“History then became a focal point for this exhibit. To tell the story of those in the portraits also demanded that the history of what brought us to today be told.”
The result is a homelessness awareness exhibit that not only introduces visitors to the people addressing housing and homelessness today, but also provides context that helps explain how communities arrived at this moment.
The Stories That Left the Biggest Impression
When asked what he finds most inspiring about the exhibit, Santiago doesn’t point to the photographs, the research, or even the finished installation.
Instead, he points to the people.
“Definitely the stories of the 11 participants in the exhibit. All of them were kind enough to share their thoughts, experiences, and hopes.”
As both photographer and storyteller, Santiago spent time interviewing each participant, learning about their perspectives and journey.
“I tried my best to capture our conversations in a short profile of them, but much more was left out.”
From outreach workers and service providers to advocates and other community leaders, these individuals help demonstrate that addressing homelessness requires compassion, dedication, and persistence. Their stories show that meaningful change often happens through everyday acts of service that rarely make headlines.
Alejandro’s interviews also shed light on how the participants’ perspectives have evolved through their personal experiences and work. Take Joyce Lee, one of the individuals featured in the exhibit. As the Housing Navigator Lead at Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center, her interactions with older individuals opened her eyes to the bigger picture of homelessness.
“Before I began this work, I did not fully understand how many circumstances can lead someone into homelessness,” shares Lee. “People may lose their job, be forced out of their home, or find themselves without family or friends to turn to. It is rarely as simple as people assume.”
Changing the Conversation Through Art
For Santiago, art is more than a creative medium. It is a tool that can encourage reflection, challenge assumptions, and help people connect with complex social issues on a human level.
At its heart, “WHO SOLVES HOMELESSNESS?” is about creating a different kind of conversation.
“My goal is to hopefully create a personal awareness that each of us can be active participants in solving homelessness,” Santiago says.
He recognizes that homelessness is a complex issue often accompanied by strong emotions and preconceived notions.
Santiago hopes the exhibit creates space for understanding.
“Through art, we are seeking to remove all of that noise and paint a contemporary picture of homelessness grounded in its history.”
That approach is what makes this homelessness awareness exhibit unique. Instead of telling people what to think, it invites them to slow down, reflect, and connect with the people whose experiences and contributions are helping shape solutions.
Experience the Exhibit
Whether you’re already familiar with Orange County United Way’s work or are just beginning to learn about homelessness in our community, “WHO SOLVES HOMELESSNESS?” offers an opportunity to see the issue through a different lens.
It’s a chance to learn about the people working every day to support their neighbors. It’s an opportunity to better understand the history behind today’s challenges. And most importantly, it’s an invitation to consider the role each of us can play in creating lasting change.
As Santiago reflects on the project, his message is one of gratitude.
“I’m thankful for everyone who participated in the making of this project and to all the readers today. Visit our website to see where the exhibit is heading next!”
Want to Host the Homelessness Awareness Exhibit?
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to deepen your understanding of homelessness, start a community conversation, or bring an engaging educational experience to your organization, consider visiting or hosting this one-of-a-kind homelessness awareness exhibit.
Because when we look beyond the statistics and see the people behind the work, the question shifts from Who solves homelessness? to How can we all be part of the solution?
View the Host Information Packet
Continue Reading
Raising Awareness about Affordable Housing in Orange County
When Stability Can’t Wait: How Housing Programs Solve Homelessness—and Protect Families’ Futures
When the Car is Your Home: A Local Man’s Story
Want to get involved with this work?
Orange County United Way’s United to End Homelessness initiative offers virtual educational opportunities, like Homelessness 101, to equip residents with the knowledge and tools they need to raise awareness, take action, and advocate for housing solutions in Orange County.
Support housing programs that solve homelessness:
Watch real success stories:
Hear from more individuals who have participated in Orange County United Way programs.
Get involved and be UNITED4OC:
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