Imagine a house. For most of us, that image evokes feelings of comfort, warmth, and family. A house is often the subject of children’s art. A place we all recognize. It’s personal, and yet universal. It can unite us around what it means to belong and to feel safe. It can also tell a story about opportunity. It can even raise awareness about critical issues like affordable housing in Orange County.
“Art has the power to move people,” says Trevor Girard, Orange County-based artist and designer. “I think it has a way of distilling stories into symbols that are easily digestible.”
Usually, when you hear about affordable housing, it’s a lot of statistics and data. But, change doesn’t start with numbers—it starts with people. Individuals who care enough to ask, “What can I bring to the table? How can I help?”
For Trevor, the answer was his art.
Art As Foundation
Born and raised in Orange County, Trevor grew up submerged in the underground art culture and was drawn to creative problem solving. Called to both illustration and design, Trevor’s logo designs are culturally rooted and conceptually powerful.
Known for creative collaborations with Stranger Things, Katin, Brixton, and most recently Dungeons and Dragons, Trevor has a recognizable and inviting style that makes his acclaimed design work stand out.
The Image to Ignite a Movement
Naturally, when Orange County United Way’s United to End Homelessness initiative decided to launch “The Person In Front of You” campaign to raise awareness about affordable housing in Orange County, Trevor came up as an artist to consult about the concept.
“I’ve known Trevor for a long time,” shares Sarah Heath, Associate Director of Narrative Strategy and Public Engagement, United to End Homelessness. “I deeply respect Trevor as a person and admire his work. I think he’s one of the most iconic logo designers, but he is humble and would probably never say that.”
Sarah brought the idea to Trevor to get his thoughts and he generously offered to lend his talents to the effort. Knowing how a symbol can do more than identify a campaign, it can ignite a movement, Sarah had no doubt that Trevor would design a visual that would bring people together—something infused with humanity.
Unity Through Art
Trevor says his goal was to create something unifying as housing is universal. “We all need a place to live,” he shares. “Doesn’t everyone deserve decency? Haven’t we all struggled? There is so much more to relate on than divide us.”
What Trevor designed truly turned the values of the campaign into something visible and gave it the inspiration it needed to spark conversations about homelessness and affordable housing in Orange County.
Trevor’s logo was put on campaign T-shirts that read “The person in front of you wants you to have a safe and affordable place to call home.” And the house in the image Trevor created, naturally, was given the name “Homie.”
Catalyst for Change
The campaign kicked off last October with Ambassadors from partner organizations wearing the T-shirts to spark interest and sharing on social media. Then, in December, hundreds of community members, all wearing their campaign shirts, gathered together in Irvine for a stunning aerial photo representing unity, support for affordable housing in Orange County, and real solutions that help to end hunger and homelessness in our community.
And the movement continues to grow. On the 17th of every month, campaign participants each wear their T-shirts featuring Trevor’s logo as a symbol of solidarity and compassion. The selected date recognizes the 17,145 people who fell into homelessness in Orange County last year.
The purpose? To build momentum, spread awareness, and spark conversations to get this message out: housing is possible, hunger is solvable, and together, change is visible.
Community Challenges
As Trevor reflects on his time in Orange County, he says it was a privilege to grow up here.
“There are so many different walks of life in Orange County and I enjoy it all,” says Trevor. “I look around and see people who like being outside, love life, and love their families. That’s what Orange County is all about to me.”
However, Trevor also recognizes that, at times, circumstances have kept him and others insulated from the homelessness crisis happening in our community.
“I think most people who live here have struggled themselves or know someone who has struggled with housing instability,” shares Trevor. “Homelessness is often kept quiet and hidden. I knew it existed, but now that I see it, I can’t unsee it or look away.”
Committing to Solutions
As someone who believes that the change you want to see starts within, getting involved with “The Person In Front of You” campaign felt like a no-brainer for Trevor.
“I see so much in society at large that I think needs healing,” Trevor says. “As much as I do my art to provide for family, I also feel passionate about finding ways to give back. Right now, that is through time and art.”
Trevor views the work of creating change in a similar way to the process of creating art: both require attention and heart.
“I think the work Orange County United Way is doing is really important because it’s educating people and deepening the feelings and perspective around the issue—that’s what inspires people to take ownership and act.”
The Humanity of Home
For Trevor, his design acts as an invitation to look at our present reality. To open ourselves up to humanity—to the people around us who are struggling or who have struggled. To hold space for their stories.
“Home is where you share time with the ones you love,” says Trevor. “It’s your sanctuary. And I want everyone to have a home where they feel safe and can afford to live.”
You can find Trevor on Instagram: @beholder_creative or his website: https://www.trevorgirard.com/
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.
Want to support programs in your community?
Watch an interview with Trevor:
Community Chat with Trevor Girard
Join The Person In Front Of You Campaign:
Watch real-life success stories:
Hear from individuals who have participated in Orange County United Way programs.
Get involved and be UNITED4OC:
You can be a part of a community effort to improve lives.
