LOS ALTOS, CA (Nov 3, 2026) – What happens when we look beyond homelessness to see the person? Los Altos History Museum invites visitors to explore that question through The Road I Call Home, an exhibition of photographic portraits and personal stories of people experiencing homelessness. Captured by multi-award-winning photographer and humanitarian Randy Bacon, the portraits reveal the beauty, individuality, and dignity of each person. The exhibition opens November 19, 2026, and runs through January 24, 2027.
Supported by The United Effort Organization, the exhibition is supplemented with local stories and artwork, including photographs by S. M. Lieu, connecting the broader experience of homelessness to the local community.
“The Road I Call Home invites us to look beyond stereotypes and discover the humanity in these personal stories,” says Dr. Amy Ellison, the Museum’s curator and director of exhibitions. “We hope visitors leave with a deeper sense of empathy and a greater understanding of the people behind the portraits.”
Bacon’s work began in his community of Springfield, Missouri, where he made a conscious effort to get to know people experiencing homelessness. Through these personal encounters, he recognized how easily people are judged without being known, and how much their stories deserve to be heard. The narratives accompanying the portraits reflect a wide range of experiences: some emotional, others uplifting, and still others heartbreaking. Together, they offer a more personal understanding of homelessness that challenges assumptions and encourages compassion.
Visitors can take part in supporting neighbors in need. The Museum invites guests to bring non-perishable food items for the Community Services Agency’s donation bin in the Museum lobby. Visitors attending the exhibition can also decorate lunch bags that will be filled with food and distributed by Hope’s Corner.
As part of the exhibition’s programming, Stanford Professor Michael Kahan and a representative from The United Effort Organization will present “A Local History of Housing” on Wed, Jan 20, from 5:30-7pm. Registration is required.
The Road I Call Home is a project of the people-powering movement 8 Billion Ones, the nonprofit founded by Bacon. The exhibition is toured by Exhibit Envoy.
Los Altos History Museum is open Thurs-Sun, 12-4pm. For more information about the exhibit, visit losaltoshistory.org/theRoad.
Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the historic J. Gilbert Smith House, built in 1905 on 14+ acres of apricot orchards planted by Mr. Smith. In 2001, Los Altos History Museum opened the modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. Tours of the J. Gilbert Smith House are available during open hours. The outdoor agricultural exhibit, gardens and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, visit: losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Diane Holcomb, Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
