Invisible People is made possible by the generous people who support our work and the talented writers who help us tell the story of homelessness. Their reporting, perspectives, and lived experiences help educate millions of people about homelessness and related issues, including housing, poverty, healthcare, criminalization, and public policy.
If you’re a journalist or writer with a story to tell, or if you are currently or formerly homeless and want to share your experience, we want to hear from you.
Our Editorial Approach
Invisible People publishes original journalism and first-person stories that help people better understand homelessness, its causes, and potential solutions.
We look for work that is accurate, compelling, and grounded in real experience. We avoid sensationalism, stereotypes, and dehumanizing language. Our goal is to provide readers with information and perspectives they may not find elsewhere.
Journalists and Writers
We work with journalists and professional writers who bring strong reporting, expertise, and fresh perspectives to our coverage of homelessness and related issues.
If you have an original story idea that fits our coverage, we encourage you to pitch us. Please understand that our freelance budget is limited, and we cannot accept every pitch we receive.
Currently or Formerly Homeless Writers
Some of the most important perspectives on homelessness come from people who have experienced it themselves.
If you are currently or formerly homeless and want to write about your experience, we want to hear from you. You do not need to be a professional journalist or an experienced writer.
We can work with you to help develop your story while making sure your voice and experience remain your own.
Topics We’re Interested In
We’re interested in original reporting, analysis, and first-person perspectives related to homelessness and issues that intersect with it, including:
- Affordable housing and housing policy
- Healthcare and homelessness
- Poverty and economic inequality
- Criminalization of homelessness
- Homelessness policy and government responses
- Rural homelessness
- Family and youth homelessness
- LGBTQ+ homelessness
- Aging and homelessness
- Race and homelessness
- Addiction, treatment, and recovery
- Mental health
- Encampments and shelter systems
- Media narratives and misinformation about homelessness
- Solutions to homelessness
This list is not exhaustive. If you have an important story related to homelessness that you believe deserves attention, pitch us.
What We’re Looking For
We want stories that add something meaningful to the public’s understanding of homelessness.
Strong pitches should have a clear focus and explain why the story matters. For reported pieces, tell us what you plan to investigate or explore, who you expect to speak with, and what makes the story timely or important.
For first-person stories, tell us briefly about the experience or perspective you want to share and why you think others should hear it.
Please do not send a completed article unless requested.
Accuracy and Editorial Standards
Accuracy matters. Writers are expected to verify facts, accurately represent sources, and provide supporting documentation or source information when requested.
All submissions are subject to editing and fact-checking. We may ask questions or request additional sourcing before publication.
Writers should also review our Editorial Standards before submitting a pitch.
Payment
Invisible People pays writers for accepted assignments. Rates vary depending on the type of story, reporting involved, experience, and available budget.
Payment and expectations will be agreed upon before work begins.
Photos and Other Media
If you submit photographs, video, graphics, or other media with your story, please tell us who created the material and whether you have permission for it to be published.
Do not submit copyrighted images or other material you do not have permission to use.
How to Pitch Us
Send your pitch to:
Please include:
- A brief description of your story idea
- Why the story matters
- How you plan to approach it
- Any relevant experience or background
- Links to previous work, if available
If you are currently or formerly homeless and do not have published writing samples, that is completely fine. Tell us about yourself and the story you want to share.
We receive many submissions and may not be able to respond to every pitch.