How Mark Horvath is Shining a Light on the World’s Invisible People

If you ask most people about homelessness, you’ll probably hear the same myths: “They’re drug addicts,” “They’re lazy,” or worse, “They’re choosing that life.” Mark Horvath decided to change this narrative by sharing real stories from real people.

Mark’s approach breaks the mold. Unlike typical nonprofit leaders stuck in committees or campaigns that waste money without making a difference, Mark stays hands-on. He lived homelessness firsthand, survived it twice, and turned that experience into the mission of his life.

Back in 2008, when the economy crashed and Mark faced homelessness again, he didn’t give up. Instead, he grabbed his camera and began recording interviews with homeless individuals right from the street, documentary style. He didn’t start Invisible People as a strategic campaign, he started it because he needed purpose. But it turned into something big, changing how we see and talk about homelessness.

Mark’s storytelling approach is straightforward, powerful, and honest. He shines a spotlight on authentic experiences. That authenticity cuts through misconceptions and compels millions to pay attention.

In fact, his Invisible People videos regularly outperform traditional media coverage. During LA’s Proposition campaign, seven of the ten most influential social posts came from Invisible People, not major news outlets.

His storytelling has directly impacted policy, helping pass key measures like Proposition HHH and Measure H in Los Angeles, generating over a billion dollars for housing and support services.

Mark’s innovative use of social media is also a huge factor in his success. He doesn’t follow typical nonprofit marketing formulas. Yet his work reached more than half a billion people in just one year alone. Brands like Hanes, Pepsi, Ford, and Ritz Crackers partner with him precisely because he knows how to reach people in a genuine way.

Invisible People isn’t just another nonprofit. It’s a model of how social media can drive real-world results. Mark’s site now ranks with a Domain Rating (DR) of 61 and thousands of keywords organically—impressive for a mission-based nonprofit with no traditional marketing team or big budget. That’s Mark’s genius at work.

Beyond views and rankings, Mark has earned recognition from his peers too—The Nonprofit Times included him as one of their Top 50 nonprofit executives. He lectures globally and has advised cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, helping shape policies that tackle homelessness directly.

In fact, Mark’s powerful storytelling has earned Invisible People some incredible recognition, including major awards for his documentary-style films—like winning multiple honors and billions of views. In 2023, Mark’s work received yet another significant accolade, the Streamy Award, recognizing the deep impact Invisible People has achieved through social media storytelling.

But awards and massive online traffic aren’t Mark’s main goal—they’re just proof that authenticity matters. He consistently reminds us the real power comes from the stories themselves: individuals who find housing, reconnect with family, or rebuild their lives because of one video.

Mark’s passion is genuine, deep, and personal. That’s why it works. He didn’t build a brand through fancy marketing strategies or chasing trends. Instead, he stayed focused on his mission: humanizing homelessness through honest storytelling.

We need more people like Mark Horvath—those who dedicate themselves to changing perceptions and fighting for real solutions to homelessness. Mark’s work teaches all of us how to leverage social media effectively: not just chasing clicks, but creating genuine change in society.

I am honoured to be a part of Invisible People and support his mission.

It’s time we helped spread Mark’s stories even further. Share an Invisible People video. Tell someone else about Mark’s mission. Let’s amplify his voice until we see homelessness for what it truly is—a problem we can solve together.