About
Posted by invisiblepeople
On the street I saw a small girl cold and shivering in a thin dress, with little hope of a decent meal. I became angry and said to God; “Why did you permit this? Why don’t you do something about it?” For a while God said nothing. That night he replied, quite suddenly:
“I certainly did something about it. I made you.”
I once heard a story about a homeless man on Hollywood Blvd who really thought he was invisible. But one day a kid handed the man a Christian pamphlet. The homeless guy was shocked and amazed, “what! You can see me? How can you see me? I’m invisible!”
It isn’t hard to comprehend this man’s slow spiral into invisibility. Once on the street, people started to walk past him, ignoring him as if he didn’t exist… much like they do a piece of trash on the sidewalk. It’s not that people are bad, but if we make eye contact, or engage in conversation, then we have to admit they exist and that we might have a basic human need to care. But it’s so much easier to simply close our eyes and shield our hearts to their existence.
I not only feel their pain, I truly know their pain. I lived their pain. You’d never know it now but I was a homeless person. Fourteen years ago, I lived on Hollywood Blvd. But today, I find myself looking away, ignoring the faces, avoiding their eyes — and I’m ashamed when I realize I’m doing it. But I really can feel their pain, and it is almost unbearable, but it’s just under the surface of my professional exterior.
For years I’ve used the lens of a television camera to tell the stories of homelessness and the organizations trying to help. That was part of my job. The reports were produced well and told a story, but the stories you see on this site are much different. These are the real people, telling their own, very real stories… unedited, uncensored and raw.
The purpose of this vlog is to make the invisible visible. I hope these people and their stories connect with you and don’t let go. I hope their conversations with me will start a conversation in your circle of friends.
After you get to know someone by watching their story, please pause for a few moments and write your thoughts in the comments section, or maybe email them to a friend and link back to this vlog . By keeping this dialog open we can help a forgotten people.
The invisible guy didn’t intend to become homeless. I didn’t plan on living on the street. Everyone on the streets has their own story, some made bad decisions, others were victims, but none of them deserve what they have been left with, and it is a reflection of our own society that we just leave them there.
Please always remember, the homeless people you’ll ignore today were much like you not so long ago.
WARNING – these videos will mess you up
I dare you to at least watch #1 and #5. Come on, I dare you!
Skid Row Part 1: Introduction
Skid Row Part 2: Kids
Skid Row Part 3: Drugs
Skid Row Part 4: God
Skid Row Part 5: Afterword
November 20th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Hi,
I attend Morning Star Church in Ofallon, MO. I heard that someone in your organization lived here in Ofallon at one point in time. I have been working with homeless ministry for about 1.5 years now.
God Bless
Barry Burns
November 21st, 2008 at 7:31 am
[...] a blog (with several short clips like the one below) about the homeless. From the site’s About page: “On the street I saw a small girl cold and shivering in a thin dress, with little hope [...]
January 16th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
I’ve just learned of your video blog. Challenging. Enlightening. Honest.
Thank you. Your videos will make me a better person.
January 20th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Great site. One of the hardest video blogs I’ve done, but also the most fullfilling, was on a homeless person who hung out right next to NYU Tisch on Broadway: http://blip.tv/file/399826/
January 21st, 2009 at 3:06 pm
This blog and the videos you guys take are incredible. I work at a creative advertising agency, and would love to talk with you about a project we’re kicking off — do you guys have an email contact? You can reach me at ross.spw-at-gmail-dot-com
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Are you planning on a Facebook page? Me and my friends use that much more than Myspace and I’d like to help spread the word about your site.
February 20th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
[...] the worst social disaster in America", according to LA PUD Police Chief Bratton. Homelessness. The average age of a homeless person in America is 9 years old. There are 3.5 million homeless in [...]
April 8th, 2009 at 1:47 am
[...] more videos like this one can be found at Invisible People. Excerpt from Invisible People About page: On the street I saw a small girl cold and shivering in a thin dress, with little hope of a decent [...]
April 16th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Ladies and gentlemen:
I discovered your site quite by accident; and it has left a lasting impression upon me. Not the least because I wrote a book on the homeless (it was my second novel) and it’s good to see someone, anyone, still moved by such a timeless topic. I took the liberty to mention your site and organization on my blog http://oswaldatlarge.blogspot.com My book was about what were known as the “Mole People”— a homeless community that arose in the abandoned Amtrak tunnels below New York City. The Mole People are long gone—Amtrak reclaimed the tunnels to re-instate and expand their northeast corridor. But their story and travails live on in the faces of all the nameless, homeless denizens we see in our streets, our parks, our cities.
Keep up the good work. It’s a message that has to get out there.
Oswald Rivera
May 31st, 2009 at 1:54 pm
this website has me in tears. i, too, have been homeless and may be again soon. not by choice. homelessness is not a disease, it’s not a plague, it’s just a situation. each homeless person is a brother, a sister — how can we turn away? thank you with all my heart for giving each one of these people dignity and a voice. may we all have the courage to listen.
June 13th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
:: awesome ::
great work mark… dont stop till your heart stops
:: cheers ::
July 1st, 2009 at 6:35 am
[...] people doing real things … Teams of people like The Ordinary Radicals, Invisible Children, Invisible TV, The Dream Center Los Angeles and I Heart Revolution are redefining the Love of Christ. [...]
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
Thank you for caring. Thank you for opening my eyes some more so I can extend myself in some way to be part of the solution. I have been passionate about giving emotional healing to people, through my book The power of illusion. My mentor is passionate about helping the homeless, the troubled teenagers and help the world through GodHearsUs.com, which is currently searching for a visionary to lead it.
I am setting the intention to do something for the people here in South Bay who are homeless. I hope the method to provide consistent support comes to me, so I can ease some pain here.
Thank you for doing what you do. I am grateful.
love,
Maya
July 13th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
[...] invisiblepeople.tv :: On the street I saw a small girl cold and shivering in a thin dress, with little hope of a [...]
July 19th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Hi Mark
I’m thinking science might be the way to go. Jesus certainly has a great message but people need a roof most of all. And food, of course.
Keep up the videos. People always amaze me. We CAN do something.
Dick
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Hi,
I am a photographer, I am going East to WEst. Do you want to collaborate? e mail me. thanks, a
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:08 am
Beautiful, and touching.
August 7th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Hi Mark,
We discovered your blog through the List of Change and we think it’s wonderful. We write about addiction, recovery, homelessness, and related issues on our blog. There are lots of stories here in Delaware. If you’d ever like to collaborate, please drop us a message.
Matt Friedman
Brandywine Counseling
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Hello Mark,
I also was in tears and awe of the many faces of the homeless. I too have been a professional -employed since I was 14. I am 58, unemployed, lost my home in ’07 as one of the pre-recession “Fannie Mae” casualties.
This is the first time I admitted out loud that I am homeless.
My son is providing me shelter-thank God. I returned to the community wherein I am the most employable, and am applying myself.
Homeless individuals are in every community. I live on the Coast of Oregon. We have lots of folks that live here through the summers and relocate to so. CA or AZ in the winters. I am aware of this as I worked in children’s shelters in AZ. We accepted self-referrals. I recognized these families were homeless. This was in 1975. Now I still see this happening in 2009.
Most of what I have seen you produce are those in the inner city’s population of homeless. There are thousands along this Coastline. Please give them a place to face.
I love what you are providing. Thank you.
Kathleen Brown
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Thank you for doing this. This is an issue I’ve thought about a lot–especially after coming very close to being homeless. It’s a solvable problem. There is absolutely and I mean absolutely no reason why every person cannot be provided with clean, safe housing (as well as clean water, food and clothing). It comes down to resources. The resources are there to provide everyone with such basic human needs. Housing. Food. Etc. etc. But it is that one resource that we have so blindly and errantly based on worth that keeps people without such things: MONEY. It’s an issue no one wants to discuss. We just dismiss it as “that’s just how it is”. Well yes, money is indeed what runs the economy, but it does not have to–the way is currently does. The money is there but it has been controlled and divided in such a way to create unnecessary suffering.
I would encourage every person to demand their respective city government create a list of human rights and that local government, business and community members enact a plan to ENSURE such rights are provided for all who reside in their particular community. It may mean dividing up the wealth. It may mean developers do with less profit. It may mean local business and wealthier folks cough up more of their wealth. Touchy subjects that few want to address. But NECESSARY in order to truly once and for all address and solve this issue. For you can give someone a job that will provide the financial resources to provide for his/her needs, but no job is guaranteed to last. Until we change policy and business as usual (and our values, mind talk and such) we will continue to have these “invisible” people.
September 13th, 2009 at 11:48 am
As a homework assignment I was told to find something of interest to me and reply to a blog on the subject. I stumbeled across this website by accident, or was it? I watched the videos of the homeless people. My heart breaks for them. I, like yourself have a compassion for people who are in this situation. I was once there myself with my children after our home burned, and we lost everything, including our dogs. I know how it feels, the hopelessness that comes with sleeping in the streets and wondering where your next meal will come from. God bless you for putting a name and a face to this reality.
October 5th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Our little activist group needs to learn how to employ video like this. No amount of writing can touch a heart like SEEING and HEARING the faces and stories of the homeless.
We are advocating for more direct involvement by local counties and cities in Oregon to create part time farm work – with shelter – on idle public lands. This would be the most affordable and sustainable way to address the crisis of fast-growing homelessness.
We have been labeled the “poor farm” group, which we do not dispute. Still, we need to get our message out with the kind of clarity that your format offers here.
THANK YOU for this excellent website. Thank you for having a heart for the poor.
October 26th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
i have a 67mb hour long vid (in .mp4 format) from a new hampshire homeless coalition meeting that mr. william c. tinker would like posted on the net, can you oblige?
November 2nd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
[...] invisiblepeople.tv :: On the street I saw a small girl cold and shivering in a thin dress, with little hope of a [...]
November 7th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Our Local Soup Kitchen is hosting the 1st “Great Soup Kitchen Sleep Over” on Friday, Nov 13th, 2009. Interested parties sleep in a box overnight, as an awareness strategy, and raise donations by getting pledges. To date we have over 200 registered, from age 10 to 79. As Community Coordinator for the City of Sault Ste. Marie, ON, this led me to your site. The other thing that peaked my interest was the use of invisible people. Our first documentary to raise awareness about homelessness in a mid size northern community is called “Invisible People-Homelessness in Sault Ste. Marie”. How true that citizens of our individual communities are considered ” invisbile”-no matter how big or small the communities may be. We are finalizing our second documentary called “Stepping Forward” about folks who have been homeless, accessed community services and moved forward in their lives. It is amazing! Keep up the good work!
November 13th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
They lay upon the streets
Choking on their own.
Mounds of people
Desolate in their being.
Wait.
And breathe in again.
Kicked in the gut;
Split like lumber.
This is a home.
Animals have a home.
Wait.
And breathe in again.
Boxes propped up in the rain.
Empty cans rot.
Feeding is done.
Could they have hunger?
Is it ours that they’re hungry?
Wait.
And breathe in again.
Displaced assassination.
Soul tainted by remark.
Hold. The starving soul echoes back
And lives in our queried gaze.
Is this anyone’s “life”?
Wait.
And breathe in again.
Shoes leaking dirt on new snow.
Fingers hold paper canopy
Encasing country’s dishonor.
This is not a life, is it?
I think it is best to live.
Wait.
And breathe in again.
Perhaps the hand will move.
Will hope spring?
Will death take notice of this?
Will the good in man change them?
Will our naked shame bow softly?
Will we course this toward nurturing?
Will the hope of man succumb to hunger?
Will the pride of man not rip itself from within?
Might it begin?
Has it now?
Wait.
And breathe in again.
Men, women, and children; living ghosts,
Alleyways of mankind infested with distrust,
Cursing the self bending through our streets
Of our cities and towns to our own expense.
We needn’t turn away in shame, or fear of this;
Fingernails caked in dirt, soiled clothes and hair.
Run from it and it rests with you.
Mock it and it returns within you.
Spit upon it and you stir death.
Attempt to remedy; hope, love, salvation
And you turn its hastening back.
Wait.
And breathe in again.
We know these stooped forms are among us.
We know the hand extended is not in greed.
We know we needn’t fear its power,
Unless we are soulless and more in need of seeking.
Hope shall soar.
Death will perceive.
The good of man shall foster change.
These bones and faces
Are found in every man.
These hopes and despair
Frequent the soul’s café
Drinking in the fullness of grace.
Wait.
And breathe in again.
We must believe in the true nature.
We must hope for the caressing of our beings,
Beckoning man’s better self, his courage,
That it might rise up, swell within to champion,
Take hold our slipped fingers in desire of betterment,
Prayers of expectant selfless endeavors,
Freedom to ring not hollow,
But thunderous in the flattered ears of politicians!
Booming through the streets of home,
Piercing and raucous about this world,
Man summoning to man on these cold streets!
As we meander nearer the darkness,
Nearer the end,
Many will have gleaned over before we know
Our echo's come `round again.
Man cannot wait, not upon the streets
Of new snow…
…breathe in again.
Copyright © 2006 mrp / thepoetryman
November 13th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I'm loving your blog. However, can you lighten it up — the background? I seriously can't read it — not even by squinting!
Thanks!
November 21st, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Hi Mark,
I would love to connect with you. I started a project about a year ago called the Free Photo Project. I go to different shelters and events and take photographs for people, just so they can have a picture of themselves, their children, their friends. I am really wanting to reach out and do this on a larger scale. I would love to come to Portland (I'm in Eugene). Maybe I could collaborate with a LaundryLove event! Great project.
If you are interested in connecting please contact me at contact@freephotoproject.org
You can see more about my project at http://www.FreePhotoProject.org
Fabulous work you are doing. Blessings to you.
November 30th, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Hey Mark – hoping you can give me some ideas. I put on a trail running races (next one in February) and there is often stuff left over – especially food. Mostly junk stuff like candy and chips but I'd hate to waste anything after the races. Any ideas of where I can bring stuff like this? Homeless shelter maybe? The races is in Orange County.
December 1st, 2009 at 7:25 am
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December 1st, 2009 at 7:28 am
sorry about that last post. Posted incorrectly
December 1st, 2009 at 8:03 am
Very interesting, but this generates more questions than answers, if a guys serves time in prison, I would like to know why. There is a stigma that most homeless people are drug/alcohol addicts. It would be nice to know if substance abuse led to where they are know. Eventually, it would be really nice if you really felt for an individual there was a way to provide help. Great job though!
December 1st, 2009 at 8:10 am
You are an inspiration to those who won't close their eyes. I'm going to spread your work and message as far as I can. I'd love your input now or in the future.
If you ever need anything at all, just ask and I'll do my best to make it happen.
God bless you.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:23 am
I wish I understood what the problem is here. All of these people have two arms, two legs, etc. so i don't understand why they can't work. There's always some job that can be done. I always see fast food signs advertising for help. And if a person really can't work, we have Social Security Income, Disability, Medicaid, ect. to help them. Do these people just not want to work? I've seen children raised to be lazy, where everything is done for them. I imagine that they would grow up to want to avoid work, even if it means being homeless. Part of the cross that God gave us is to work. I don't like it either but we all have to do it. Now if a person is mentally ill or unable to work, that is different, and we have Social Secuity programs to help them. Otherwise, like St. Paul said, “If a man will not work, don't let him eat”. You would not be doing his soul any favors if you did. I have a friend who has taken in many many homeless people, gotten them haircuts and jobs. Everyone of them couldn't stand working and preferred to go back to homelessness.
December 1st, 2009 at 8:37 am
I was wondering if you were the Mike Horvath who used to live in La Canada-Flintridge as a teenager.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:23 am
I would like you to contact me about possibly working with a City Council Candidate in Memphis, TN to bring awareness of Poverty to the City. DerekHum84@aol.com. Thank you and I look forward to working with you.
December 1st, 2009 at 9:26 am
Mark,
please get in touch with me. I work for Italian medias and would like to help.
Thanks
Vale
December 1st, 2009 at 9:41 am
I think you are very courageous, I have myself been photographing homless people for the past few years in the Miami Fla area ( I have loads of images) in order for someone important might see these pictures and do something for them, somekind of help as the years go by homlessnes keeps growing.
They trully need help not only from GOD but also from all of us.
I would like to volunteer for any project you may have in mind in the Miami Florida area or maybe start something to help them.
Thank you for the inspiration
December 1st, 2009 at 10:21 am
Very powerful. Thank you for your efforts.
December 1st, 2009 at 10:38 am
I have always thought that a grass roots remedy would involve matching up the homeless – especially the working poor, but anyone who is not dangerous – with people with extra rooms/homes. Perhaps either rent or tax credit or some other incentive could apply. But, a lot of people have room for extras. It would be a matter of matching people up. I am not sure how to make this happen.
I think of the movie “My Fair Lady” and the song that states, “all I want is a room somewhere.” Perhaps grabbing some foreclosed apartments. My situation has changed drastically in the last year and although I have a decent safety net, homelessness is not out of the realm of possibility.
December 1st, 2009 at 10:39 am
Hello: My name is Nathan Nance and live here in Austin, TX. You should come down here, we have over 7k people who do not live in homes. I volunteer at Church Under the Bridge and would love for you to come down here and hang out at the bridge. Let me know how I can help. Free place to stay.
December 1st, 2009 at 11:12 am
Thank you so much for this site! These are the faces of so many people who need help but also need love. Growing up as a Christian I could NEVER understand how we could worship a homeless man on Sunday and then pass one by on Monday. Thank you for showing me these videos, the work you are doing is just unbelievable!
December 1st, 2009 at 11:16 am
Thank you so much for this site! These are the faces of so many people who need help but also need love. Growing up as a Christian I could NEVER understand how we could worship a homeless man on Sunday and then pass one by on Monday. Thank you for showing me these videos, the work you are doing is just unbelievable!
December 1st, 2009 at 11:57 am
I served with the Dream Center back in 2002 with my Youth Group. I am always amazed to hear the stories that come out of that place. It's truly amazing!
December 1st, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Thanks. What an inspiring, faith-restoring site.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Thanks. What an inspiring, faith-restoring site.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:51 am
[...] Make the Invisible Visible 2 12 2009 “The purpose of this vlog is to make the invisible visible. I hope these people and their stories connect with you and don’t let go. I hope their conversations with me will start a conversation in your circle of friends.” –from Invisible People [...]
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Are you really close to being homeless again?
It's amazing what you are doing. Please don't give up.
Dara
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I work a paper for school on peoples worth and how humans categorize on another by how they are different from ourselves. This site helped me with ideas for my paper and I thought I would share a few pieces from my paper. The typical American has a tendency to categorize people by their appearance, gender, or skin color. But what commonly goes unnoticed is Americans also judge the homeless, mentally ill, and people with addiction problems. Ranking people’s self worth has become a common practice to the world. Various categories of people are displayed all around – in the work place, in schools, and in sports teams. The judgment of different groups of people can differ depending on what country is being examined. However, homeless individuals make up a category of people that can be viewed all over the world. It has become the tendency for a majority of Americans who are blessed with great amounts to have sympathy for those who have nothing, yet no action is taken to help the people in need. People who actually have a home and a steady income judge people who are homeless like they are different from themselves; when, in reality, they are the exact same when it comes to character and humans need to be loved by others; they just don’t have a roof over their head. Treating people as if they are inhumane just because some things in their life may be different is something that too often happens in America. Imagine living the homeless lifestyle. A home, money, and possessions taken away; changing the norm of life into something scary and unknown. Now imagine someone walking up and treating, someone who only had their possessions taken away, as if they were a child and didn’t know how to do things on there own. The material things taken away don’t change the person dignity and character. This kind of behavior does not only happen to the homeless but with anyone who is different from the norm. Some examples of this are the blind, the deaf, and the elderly. Most of the time these people are the ones who have more wisdom then that of the normal person. Categorizing and judging people just because they are different from the norm, is a problem that not only hurts others but inhabits the person who is doing the hurting from knowing someone who is different and learning from them. Acts of kindness can do tremendous things in helping the lives of others.Putting aside selfish needs for the needs of others will not only help others but it can also help fulfill that nature in people that makes them feel good when helping someone else. Someone taking action to help others who may be different or live differently than the average American can spark a flame to make change happen.
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:41 am
God's Blessings to all
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:50 pm
I didn't sleep last night because I was watching every video on this site. I'm 53 years old, have survived what I thought were tragedies (total loss house fire, lay-offs, illness…) Then I saw these videos and realized that I have never truly experienced the desperation of homelessness, so I can count myself lucky.
I knew, after watching these videos that I needed to connect with the homeless and tell them that I'm sorry for ignoring them. I realized just how much we are the same and I felt terrible for not knowing how to communicate with my fellow human beings.
Today, I went shopping for warm clothes to share because it is supposed to snow here in San Antonio – something it rarely does. For the first time, I really looked at the homeless men, women and teens who I've ignored in the past. After a few bumbling attempts to say, “Hello” and offering my purchases, I met two younger men who I asked permission to talk to. They laughed and said, “Sure!”
I apologized for not knowing exactly how to approach them and told them I wanted to know about homelessness. I asked them what they need. I asked them not to be offended by my questions or my offering of what I thought they might want. They were not offended and they were happy to receive gift certificates from Wendy's and from the grocery store. They accepted the gloves, the jackets and the cigarettes (but declined the scarves.) They even accepted my prayers – although both said they don't believe in God. We talked and laughed and talked and I realized that they are exactly like me. I enjoyed their company and I finally had to leave after about three hours. I learned so much about their lifestyle, their hope, their day-to-day, their struggle and about my own need to connect.
Your videos made it possible for me to get beyond stereotypes so that I could make friends. My new friends taught me how I can help in a small way. I gained as much as I gave and I know where to find Nelson and Jeff now so we'll all be a little bit less lonely.
Thank you and Merry Christmas, Mary
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Great! its weird to ignore ppl man… I know everyone does ignore homeless ppl, like if they just werent there… But, hey, they are, usually, much better ppl than a lotta ppl i know… As they are unattached to material beings as everyone else, they tend to be even more human… idk… I've told you before, id like to roam the streets, and wander all around the world, looking for answers ill probably find in homeless ppl rather than in busines men…
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:18 pm
Way to go Mary!!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:22 pm
I didn't sleep last night because I was watching every video on this site. I'm 53 years old, have survived what I thought were tragedies (total loss house fire, lay-offs, illness…) Then I saw these videos and realized that I have never truly experienced the desperation of homelessness, so I can count myself lucky.
I knew, after watching these videos that I needed to connect with the homeless and tell them that I'm sorry for ignoring them. I realized just how much we are the same and I felt terrible for not knowing how to communicate with my fellow human beings.
Today, I went shopping for warm clothes to share because it is supposed to snow here in San Antonio – something it rarely does. For the first time, I really looked at the homeless men, women and teens who I've ignored in the past. After a few bumbling attempts to say, “Hello” and offering my purchases, I met two younger men who I asked permission to talk to. They laughed and said, “Sure!”
I apologized for not knowing exactly how to approach them and told them I wanted to know about homelessness. I asked them what they need. I asked them not to be offended by my questions or my offering of what I thought they might want. They were not offended and they were happy to receive gift certificates from Wendy's and from the grocery store. They accepted the gloves, the jackets and the cigarettes (but declined the scarves.) They even accepted my prayers – although both said they don't believe in God. We talked and laughed and talked and I realized that they are exactly like me. I enjoyed their company and I finally had to leave after about three hours. I learned so much about their lifestyle, their hope, their day-to-day, their struggle and about my own need to connect.
Your videos made it possible for me to get beyond stereotypes so that I could make friends. My new friends taught me how I can help in a small way. I gained as much as I gave and I know where to find Nelson and Jeff now so we'll all be a little bit less lonely.
Thank you and Merry Christmas, Mary
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I love the fact that you have done this. I started working with the homeless during my senior year in college through an internship. I am now working with the homeless with mental illnesses and I'm planning on making it my career. The general population doesn't realize what happens on these streets at night. They don't realize the people on the corners and in the alleys have a story. And the most important thing that they do not realize is that most American families are a paycheck away from homelessness.
Many life events have led me to where I am in my career. As a child my mother was homeless due to drug addictions and various other issues. I did not have a site such as this to increase my understanding of my mother's struggle. I feel what you are doing is monumental for society. It's real and honest and it's going to change the way many people view homelessness and hopefully it will lead to change.
Blessings and light to guide your way. Continue the good fight!
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I will have to modify. When I was a child, my mother was homeless. It makes a bit more sense now when I say it that way
December 4th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Its really sad how clueless you are Dave. I really dont mean that as a putdown or anything but c'mon…you want to know WHY they were in prison?? Well thats none of your buisness, frankly, because they have seved the time givin to them by the state in which the crime was committed. period. And as far as addiction is concerned, well, last time I checked it is considered a MEDICAL desease (with rehabilitation covered under even the most BASIC health insurance plans. As for mental illness…most psychotic people dont know they are psychotic and if there is no family to help them get treatment they are on their own. Alot of mentally unstable people take medication for awhile and feel normal so they think they can stop taking their meds. After a few weeks they start acting bizaar and next thing you know they are wandering around aimlessly. I'm not saying some people dont wanna work but you cant be judgemental like that. Since you know the bible you must also know how Jesus said “what you have done to the least of these you have also done to me”. How can you have anything to say when you have obviously never walked a day in their shoes
December 8th, 2009 at 11:02 am
[...] can find parts 2-4 of the video on this site, and more information about homelessness here: InvisiblePeople.tv Share and [...]
December 10th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I see them!
December 10th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
I SEE THEM!
December 11th, 2009 at 2:07 am
I SEE THEM!
January 10th, 2010 at 2:16 am
I am not a stranger to being homeless. Your site tells it like it is and that is what the world needs to see more of. Many times I have been homeless in my life and many times I have only been one paycheck away from the streets. Keep up the good work, I applaude you.
February 15th, 2010 at 9:01 am
[...] for our first LA Meetup. Mark Horvath, a visionary producer, will join us. Mark is the founder of InvisiblePeople.tv has travelled across America to capture the stories of people without a home, raw and unedited. [...]
February 19th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Thank you for these powerful images and stories. I run a small all-volunteer charity in Los Angeles that provides homeless parents with all they need to celebrate their children's birthdays. We try to bring a little joy and recognition to children who have little. We give with anonymity to empower parents so that they may be the hero on their child's special day. We struggle to show people the realities of homeless families. You do it so well.
Jennie Robles
March 6th, 2010 at 10:20 am
[...] The purpose of this vlog is to make the invisible visible. I hope these people and their stories connect with you and don’t let go… invisiblepeople.tv. [...]
March 6th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
G”o,o”D Blessings upon “INVISIBLE PEOPLE TV” and this NEW notion of reality TV that is authentic ~ vulnerable & dignified! Listening to our stories is a beginning in the experiencial process of losing self importance ~ guilt ~ arrogance & aggression in social relations. WE US & I R 1 not 2! Witness how the poor ~ homeless & suffering meek shall inherit the earth and bring forth a new earth and heaven today.
This is a beautiful social networking site operating organically that is offering us (all the creative global ethical citizenry in our world) to cut all the bullshit and embrace the real great work at hand ~ radical evolutionary change in individuated human realization! Great teachers in these video clips that are spilling the truth and reality of our human condition and situation!
Last summer I visited San Francisco downtown, early in the morning, and as I was about to enter a Starbucks for a coffee there was a homeless person sitting outside on the sidewalk. I said hello and squatting down had a conversation with him about how he is doing? He shared his story like a lifelong friend and trusted my listening. When I was about to stand up and continue on my way he asked me to buy him a breakfast sandwich? He qualified his request by saying “I am not asking for any money, I have money for breakfast, it's just I am crippled and can't get into Starbucks.” He gave me four dollars and told me what to order and bring out to him. What a miracle and wonder it was for me? I moved to tears of just how cruel and inhumane our modern culture of power ~ exclusion ~ appropriation in a casino of predatory chaos has become.
THANKS FOR BRING THE MESSAGE HOME TO OUR WORLD ~ ROCK ON BRO!
March 6th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Type your reply…
March 6th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
I want to share my writing, the UnderBridgers series from the two years I've spent putting sleeping bags, coats, food, shoes, socks out into the streets from the back of my truck on the way to my job. The police have now driven out the people, but no new beds announced in this city. I left that job and moved to a low-paid, unproductive commute viz the gestures of the heart. My people, where did they go? You are right: everyone has a story. Looking forward to communications with you — THIS is the goods.
March 6th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
I love your site and what you are doing. i am homeless too and consider myself very lucky to have this laptop. i guard it with my life. the reason why i'm homeless is because i am a convicted felon. No on will hire me. I've done my time but society wound let me stop doing my time. i just want a job and a place to live. after all I'm 51yo.
March 7th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Michael
You mak us all “pause” and think “but for the grace of God someday that could be me in that video…”
We need money to fund your work and I have an easy way to raise it. How do I contact you ?
March 8th, 2010 at 3:24 am
My friend told me to check this site out. I must say i was touched by what I saw. I'm a social worker who works in mental health in many areas of new york city and I've seen a great deal of struggle. I like to keep the faith and believe we all have a purpose and will find our way. It helps to have people who care and have a sense of humanity in what they do and who they touch.
I hope this message spreads awareness that is greatly needed in LA. I had no idea what skid row was, but i'd heard of it. To know what really happens there truly saddens me. The city of LA has some work ahead of them in order to see everyone prosper, not just those who can afford it.
March 9th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Hello Mark,
Greetings from Detroit, Michigan. You're work has captured the hearts of many wonderful people in America. Thank you for your hard work and efforts. I have grown up in Detroit for my entire life and I've seen a lot of homelessness. I think that it would be good for the city and the state if you brought yourself to Detroit and reached out to those who live on the streets, under the overpasses, in shelters and in their cars. Detroit has forever been seen as a scary city because of the number of homeless and increased crime. I think that if you shed some light on the truly beautiful and wonderful people who have made the streets of Detroit their home, more people would reach out and volunteer to make all life in Detroit worth living. I also think that the crime rate and shootings would decrease, thus creating a safer living environment for those who live on the streets.
March 13th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
calm down lynnette1000, Daves got a point you ranting loonatic! hahaha
he said this,'Everyone of them couldn't stand working and preferred to go back to homelessness.”
I put the BEST job I ever had on the line for this scenario more than once. I lived in Duluth MN for about 5 years and worked as a carpenter for a small Father and Son outfit and would often get guys from the downtown shelter laborer positions. Well being that they stayed at the shelter aka CHUM center, I chose to also pick them up and drop them off. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I WAS LATE TO WORK BECAUSE MY LAZY ASS HOMELESS HOMEBOYS CHOSE NOT TO WAKE UP ON TIME!!! And more than once they would disappear after they got their first paycheck and I'd have to go track them down or wait for them to resurface.
Don't get me twisted, I love people more than you ever will. And will continue to devote my life to them but each person has a story and alot of the stories in America actually do involve laziness.
Real quick just the other day I was working downtown Reno, and when I was going to get some lunch with the last $4 I had to my name a lady outside of Mc Donalds hit me up for some food, I was like, I'm goin to get tacos BRB. Came back with 2 tacos for me and 2 tacos for her. She refused my gift saying they might be too spicy. Oh and she was what we would call 'over-weight' if thay helps to paint a better picture.
just my 2 cents…
March 17th, 2010 at 1:33 am
Awesome. The work you are doing is a gift to all that are on the streets.
Rock ON!
March 19th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
avg age of homeless is 9?
im totally sure this is impossible. just do the math, in order for that to be true, every single homeless guy must make an avg of 15 kids in his lifetime, and those kids would start to make their own 15 kids after they re older than TEN!
where is the source of this number?
March 19th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
the statistic is from a 2007 report by National Coalition of Homelessness. HUD reported in 2008 2 parent family homelessness in rural communities increased 56%. the fastest growing demographic of homelessness is young children under the age of 15. go up to video #1 on this page and watch it
April 25th, 2010 at 12:21 am
I have a son who is mentally ill and homeless in Santa Cruz, CA. He gets SSI, but it's not enough for a room. I have him on a waiting list for housing assistance but it seems like it will never happen. He refuses medication, is malnourished, and his paranoias are getting worse. It's heart breaking. I spend a lot of time researching and looking for ways to help him. I applaud folks like you and Ronee Curry for all that you are doing!
April 26th, 2010 at 12:24 am
I would just like to thank everyone who is involved in this invisible people project. These videos have truly opened my eyes, mind, and heart. Keep up the awesome work!
May 24th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
I commend you and your website. I also feel the same way. But its not the whole story. Seems to me drugs and alcoholism play a huge part. Not every
homeless one is worthy.Stories of ones who have helped,only to be hurt are there. How can you help anyone who willnot help themselves? Where is the responsibility for ones life and actions?
July 5th, 2010 at 12:57 am
My husband and I had a ministry to the homeless veterans in downtown Dallas and Ft. Worth, Texas. We also were foster parents to many children. Some of the mothers didn't want to live in an apartment…they preferred living on the streets along with their little children. The veterans were mostly addicted to drugs or had varied mental illnesses which could have been caused by their military experiences. We were always blessed by the men and women we tried to help. I bought socks and underwear and gave them all a homemade afghan every Christmas. We had dinners for them and baked all sorts of homemade items. They always appreciated our efforts and most of them thanked us. One lady actually came back the next year and found me and gave me a plaque with a beautiful verse on it. Our ministry had made a difference in her life.
It is heartbreaking to see all the homeless people who would love to have a home and family. I believe most of them would prefer this over the minority who like being homeless. However, we did encounter those who would try to steal from us and would take the clothes and shoes we gave them and sell them on the street for drug money. We had to be careful, but I still believe the majority of homeless people are not like that. They appreciate any help we give them. Thank you so much for telling us about these people.
July 9th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
[...] Invisible People Blog [...]
July 23rd, 2010 at 7:29 am
[...] As taken from Invisible People [...]
August 7th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Fred when you say “How can you help anyone who will not help themselves? Where is the responsibility for ones life and actions?” you're really hitting at why there is not the political will to help. It's a great way to dismiss other people.
Have you ever made a mistake and somebody else helped you? Humans are not perfect. I am not, you're not.
How bad of a sacrifice would it be for you (or anyone) to pitch in and help? True sometimes you help people and they don't appreciate it or even take advantage. But we're all in this together.
On a selfish, practical level, when you do not help others they will rise up in violence and crime demanding at least a few seconds of “justice.” Compassion is the ultimate act of self interest.
August 8th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
[...] Blog: InvisiblePeople.tv [...]
August 21st, 2010 at 6:07 pm
wow thats powerful stuff. thatnks for opening my eyes
August 23rd, 2010 at 7:00 am
i was in san antonio at that time, i remember how cold it was, the snow, the rain, the wind … i wish i would have done more
August 23rd, 2010 at 7:06 am
Thank you Franklin Arburtha for showing us the other side. Is heart rending to see so many people suffering. If I had a million dollars, I would give much of it away just to help these people find housing, get food, jobs, try to restore the hope thats been lost. No one! No one living in one of the richest countries in the world should be homeless, sleeping on streets. This is the real America, a country who turns its back on their own people. A country imbred with racism, prejudice and bigotry. When I look at the lady blogger here who talked about having a ministry and how some people like drug addicts, alcoholics etc don’t deserve to be helped. Lady, it is people like you who makes America what it is today, a country built on hypocrisy, the hypocrisy of a people who say they are Christian people, but who in reality ignore the very same people living in their own back yards, the less fortunate, the needy, the hungry, the downtrodden, the sick, and the homeless! To the Lady with the Ministry, my only advice to you is that its people like you who should never have a Ministry. Take a minute Lady and come down from your God-like Judgemental throne, step down from your high horse and maybe read your bible, something that obviously owning a Ministry must have absolved you from doing. When your “Jesus” as you people insist on calling him walked the earth, he prayed for the sinners as well as the non sinners, he didn’t come to judge, he healed the good as well as the bad, he helped the poor, he fed the masses, who the hell are you then to be so judgemental about those you profess to help! Who the hell made you judge, jury and persecutioner, something you people have perfected over the decades! Before you rise to high on your royal horse and judge these homeless people, look at your own dirty history in America, and what was done to the Indians and the horrific atrocities committed against Blacks. Because whether or not you read your Scriptures and profess yourself to be so rightous that you have the right to judge others, let me remind you that it is written “You Shall Be Judged Even up Til the 5th Generation” So unless you are in some unimagineable way not related to your ancestors from generations ago who committed such atrocious crimes againsts people of color, then if my math is on point, it is you who will be judged along with your ancestors, most likely in the same way you seem to judge others. Let me say this, it is not for me, you or anyone else who gives to the homesless to judge what they might do with the help they are given. If they abuse or misuse whatever help they are given, then that is for God to judge, as long as you know in your heart you did the right thing in trying to help them! Then be at peace with yourself and go on your way. I cannot imagine what mental horrors these homeless people have had to endure, or what circumstances led them up to their present condition, but make no mistake, they all need some type of help whether its mental, emotional, physical, medical or otherwise, they need our help not our moral judgemental condemnation.
Lady blogger with the Ministry, maybe you should take heed that you don’t find yourself in the same condition as those people you’ve been so apt to judge! I applaud this young Black teenager, Franklin Arburtha, for giving us all a wake up call and filming the reality of what goes on in America! One of the richest countries in the world that has failed to feed, clothe and shelter their own, yet has no qualms about spending millions sending rockets to the moon or spending millions to find out the mating habits of sea creatures and the likes. I applaud this young man Franklin Arburtha for not falling prey to his present circumstances and environment, I applaud him for have the balls to call attention to the world about what exist right in their very own back yards. I applaud this young man for having the stamina and fortitude of not falling through the cracks as so many others have, yet having the inner character to not forget those who have fallen and may need our helping hand! But rather than just say thank you Franklin Arburtha, keep of the good work, I would rather make a pledge to get involved today and see what I myself can do to help the growing number of homeless people rising in America!
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Seeing these makes Family, including Church Family, look all the more vital. I keep wondering how each of these folks is so without a connection, without mother, father, aunts, uncles, cousins. To turn to God at least means there is a father for them. I also pray for the 20 million new homeless in Pakistan. God bless.
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Although I have little money and hardly a home with my children, I was inspired to do something after watching your video. I wrote a letter to the mayor of LA and an email to my pastor to see if we can do something. I live in San Diego county so we will be focusing our efforts in this area mostly, but I pray that God will use you and this website to help these poor poor people. Thank you for bring to my attention the severity of the problem. God bless you.
Felicia
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Wow! You know, there is an exception to every rule. By Gods mercy and grace me and my children have not ended up homeless. I am a nurse and can’t find a job. McDonalds wont hire me because I don’t speak spanish-I can’t communicate with the cooks and Walmart wont hire me because they are afraid as soon as a nursing job comes up I will quit-they are right. Some of these families on the streets dont have childcare, so who will watch the little ones while they work. What address do they put on applications and if they use the county address, how do they get there everyday to get their mail.
They are unable to use a computer to apply for work and if they use the public library, who is going to help them make a decent resume. And who is going to hire someone homeless when there are plenty of non homeless people out there. Unfortunately, the people that do all of the hiring for companies think of the homeless the same as you do -as lazy- so why would they hire them.
Get a job in the food industry? Many of these people are unable to shower. Do you think taco bell is going to hire them to prep food?
Another problem is that when people are short on food they are lethargic, not lazy. Their bodys dont have the energy to do a full day of work. These people need to be fed, housed and given the opportunity to heal before they can be expected to work.
There are many many nonhomeless people that suffer from depression so bad that they loose their jobs (this is a real condition-not laziness). How much worst is it for those that are homeless.
It is so easy for you all to sit there on you computers in your little warm homes and make acusations about the poor homeless people. Does that take the guilt from your concieousness?
Clearly you are either out of touch with reality or you take your experience with a few bad apples to mean that all homeless are useless and lazy. Hopefully God doesn’t have to bring you to their level to teach you a bit of compassion.
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Oh, and one more thing. Which of us has managed to walk into any place advertising a job and get hired right on the spot with no phone # and address. How are they gonna get a call for an interview without a phone? Think people!!!
Felicia
August 23rd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
[...] People when you get a second. Horvath was himself homeless and writes about that experience, and those who get caught in the downward spiral to invisibility. It’s a good work he’s doing there to tell their stories. I know others are doing [...]
August 24th, 2010 at 11:33 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfHlxHuKmv4
Check out my New Original Song and Video called ”FORECLOSURE…DADDDY DON’T CRY” bdbutler@centurylink.net