SAN DIEGO — A local organization is using art to help people living on the streets in San Diego.
"They call me Master Lee Airbrush King," said Lee, an artist experiencing homelessness.
We watched Lee painting his canvas near the tracks at the Old Town Trolley Station.
"My wife passed away so now I just got myself. I'm doing pretty well but I'm still homeless. Still don't have a place to stay. I'm working real hard to find a place that's affordable," he said.
Through the tough times he regained hope and his love for art thanks to Dennis Larkin, the director of ArtoutReach.
"People come up and say 'I'm an artist' and I get to say 'Show me your stuff,'" he said.
His organization uses art as a form of therapy when outreach workers visit encampments.
"Ever since the day we started it, we haven't had an argument or physical altercation," he said. "They're living with anxiety, they're living with PTSD so they normally walk away."
They've found people like Lee through their outreach efforts. Now they're working to get an art studio for people experiencing homelessness to make art, take classes and eventually sell the art pieces online.
Lee described his favorite part of making art.
"The happiness I put on people's faces when they see my painting that's the best part. To see someone else enjoying what I give out. It's like a real blessing," Lee said.
With each stroke of a paintbrush Lee is gaining hope for not just himself but for others too.
"I hope a door opens for me this year. I'm not just advocating for myself. I'm trying to advocate for everybody. There's a lot of talented people on the street that just need a chance, opportunity, a door open," he said.