Mark Horvath

Mark Horvath is an influential activist and the Founder and CEO of Invisible People, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about homelessness through storytelling and advocacy. His journey began in the television industry, where he worked as a distribution executive until personal struggles with addiction led him to experience homelessness himself in 1995. After several years of hardship, he sought rehabilitation and eventually returned to a stable life, only to face homelessness again during the Great Recession in 2008.

Founding Invisible People

In November 2008, Horvath launched Invisible People with the aim of changing the narrative around homelessness. He utilizes video interviews as a medium to share the authentic stories of homeless individuals, which he believes are often overlooked or misrepresented by mainstream media. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has conducted interviews across over 100 cities in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K..12

Impact and Initiatives

Invisible People employs social media platforms to disseminate these stories widely, reaching millions of viewers. In 2016 alone, Horvath's videos garnered over 523 million views, contributing significantly to public discourse on homelessness. The organization has been instrumental in supporting legislative measures aimed at addressing homelessness in Los Angeles, including housing bonds that aim to create thousands of housing units for those in need.23

Horvath's work emphasizes empathy and authenticity, aiming to humanize the experiences of homeless individuals rather than reducing them to stereotypes. He has collaborated with various brands and organizations for campaigns that raise awareness and provide direct support to homeless communities.34

Recognition

Mark Horvath's innovative approach has earned him accolades within the nonprofit sector. His efforts have not only helped change perceptions about homelessness but have also resulted in tangible assistance for many individuals featured in his interviews.12

Through Invisible People, Horvath continues to advocate for systemic changes needed to address homelessness while empowering those affected by it to share their stories and experiences directly.