In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mark Donovan, Founder & Executive Director of The Denver Basic Income Project, to discuss a revolutionary approach to addressing homelessness: giving money directly to those in need. Mark shares how the project began in response to the economic fallout of COVID-19 and how it has since become the largest guaranteed income experiment in the U.S. focused on the homeless population.“Cash is really powerful, it’s immediate, it’s empowering,” says Mark. He explains the transformative impact of providing direct cash assistance, debunking common myths, and highlighting the positive outcomes they’ve seen. “In the group that received $1,000 a month, homelessness dropped to zero at six months.”Listen in as Mark talks about the data supporting this approach, the challenges faced, and the hope it brings to communities. He also discusses the need for scalable solutions and how individuals and cities can get involved in this groundbreaking initiative. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative solutions to homelessness and economic justice.Animation referenced: The Truth About Giving Money to Homeless People Executive producer: Mark Horvath Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex GasawayAssociate producer: Erin McGinnisCreated by: Alex Gasaway and Erin McGinnis

Visit Invisible People’s website

Click here to support our important work

Sign up for bi-weekly news highlights

Invisible People’s Social Media:

• YouTube
• X(Twitter)
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change, and thoughtful dialogue around poverty and homelessness.

In this compelling episode, we explore the transformative power of love and disruption in advancing housing justice and racial equity with Amanda Andere, CEO of Funders Together to End Homelessness. The conversation delves into the importance of integrating these critical issues into philanthropic efforts to drive meaningful change.
"The truth is with the people who've been most impacted... I think the truth is in community, the truth is in understanding people's humanity."
Throughout the discussion, Amanda highlights the significance of engaging in uncomfortable dialogues and listening deeply to those with lived experiences. The episode examines how embracing discomfort can lead to personal and societal growth, ultimately fostering a more just and equitable society.
"We have to lean into the messy, uncomfortable stuff... The kindest thing, the most just thing that we can do is to challenge why we think that way, why we do things that way."
We also touch on the necessity of challenging existing power dynamics and processes within philanthropy. Amanda shares valuable insights and strategies for fostering open, honest dialogues that pave the way for meaningful change.
"Love and disruption: It's about lovingly meeting people where they are but not leaving them there, and disrupting the way things have always been done."
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that encourages embracing the discomfort that comes with hard truths and using love and disruption as powerful tools for advancing housing justice and racial equity in the philanthropic sector.
Executive producer: Mark Horvath Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex GasawayAssociate producer: Erin McGinnisCreated by: Alex Gasaway and Erin McGinnis

Visit Invisible People’s website

Click here to support our important work

Sign up for bi-weekly news highlights

Invisible People’s Social Media:

• YouTube
• X(Twitter)
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change, and thoughtful dialogue around poverty and homelessness.

In this week’s podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Ann Oliva, the CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH). Ann Oliva is a distinguished leader with a remarkable career in homelessness and housing policy. She shares her journey from her early days at HUD to leading NAEH, highlighting her evolution in perspective and approach towards ending homelessness. Ann discusses the significant challenges she faces in her role, including shifting from hard power to soft power, navigating complex relationships, and driving systemic change.

Listeners will gain insights into the critical need for affordable housing, the impact of systemic issues such as racial injustice, and the marginalization of vulnerable communities. Ann also reflects on her early experiences working at the community level, her transformative work post-Hurricane Katrina, and the profound lessons she learned along the way.

Key highlights of the episode include:

• Ann's transition to NAEH and the major shifts in her leadership approach
• The challenges of navigating federal policies and relationships
• The evolution of homelessness from her time at HUD to now
• The significant increase in homelessness and its underlying causes
• The role of soft power in transforming the response to the homelessness crisis

Ann's candid discussion about the complexities of the homelessness crisis, her strategic vision for NAEH, and her unwavering commitment to advocacy and action provide a comprehensive look at the multifaceted nature of homelessness. Whether you are an advocate, a service provider, or simply interested in the issue of homelessness, this conversation with Ann Oliva is sure to inspire and inform. Tune in to learn how one of the nation’s foremost experts is leading the fight to end homelessness and what we can all do to support this vital cause.
Executive producer: Mark Horvath Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex GasawayAssociate producer: Erin McGinnisCreated by: Alex Gasaway and Erin McGinnis

Visit Invisible People’s website

Click here to support our important work

Sign up for bi-weekly news highlights

Invisible People’s Social Media:

• YouTube
• X(Twitter)
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change, and thoughtful dialogue around poverty and homelessness.

Join us in this riveting episode as we dive deep into the complexities of homelessness with Jeff Olivet, the Executive Director of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). USICH is a federal agency that coordinates the national response to homelessness, working across 19 federal member agencies and partnerships at the state and local levels to prevent and end homelessness in America.
In a candid conversation, Jeff shares his perspectives on the increasing challenges in addressing homelessness and the discouraging climate surrounding the work. Drawing inspiration from historical social justice movements like the Civil Rights Movement and the HIV/AIDS advocacy of the 80s, Jeff offers a hopeful narrative on overcoming adversity.
Discover the multifaceted federal response to homelessness, tracing its history and understanding its current strategies and shortcomings. Jeff discusses the systemic failures that perpetuate homelessness, from the housing market crisis to inadequate support for mental health and veterans. Learn about the crucial need for prevention, emergency response, and scaling up housing solutions.
This episode isn't just about highlighting the problems but also about celebrating the victories and progress made daily. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or new to the cause, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of homelessness and a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Tune in to be part of a conversation that matters.

Executive producer: Mark Horvath Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex GasawayAssociate producer: Erin McGinnisCreated by: Alex Gasaway and Erin McGinnis

Visit Invisible People’s website

Click here to support our important work

Sign up for bi-weekly news highlights

Invisible People’s Social Media:

• YouTube
• X(Twitter)
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change, and thoughtful dialogue around poverty and homelessness.

Discover the harsh realities of homelessness across America in this compelling episode. We explore the criminalization of homelessness, from Miami's Overtown to policies sweeping across states, both red and blue. Listen as policy experts and legal advocates discuss systemic failures and bipartisan consensus that continue to push vulnerable individuals further into the margins. We address the urgent need for housing solutions, the dangerous myths surrounding homelessness, and the pivotal Supreme Court case that could change everything. This conversation is crucial for turning the tide and restoring dignity to those living on the streets.Our guests include:David Peery, Lawyer, Activist, and Founder of Miami Coalition to Advance Racial Equity,Mari Castaldi, Director of State Housing Policy with Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Jesse Rabinowitz, MSW, LGSW, Communications and Campaign Director at National Homelessness Law Center

Executive producer: Mark Horvath Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex GasawayAssociate producer: Erin McGinnisCreated by: Alex Gasaway and Erin McGinnis

Visit Invisible People’s website

Click here to support our important work

Sign up for bi-weekly news highlights

Invisible People’s Social Media:

• YouTube
• X(Twitter)
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change, and thoughtful dialogue around poverty and homelessness.

In this powerful and eye-opening podcast episode, we sit down with Iain De Jong, a renowned expert in homelessness and social issues. Iain shares his firsthand experiences from the streets to the executive level, shedding light on the deepening crisis of homelessness. He discusses the loss of hope among those experiencing homelessness, the burnout of frontline workers, and the societal apathy that exacerbates the problem.We delve into the challenges of current service delivery models, the impact of political partisanship, and the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to address homelessness. Iain passionately advocates for radical acceptance and compassionate service, emphasizing the importance of housing first and the dire consequences of failing to act. This conversation is a call to action for anyone concerned about the future of our communities and the well-being of our most vulnerable members.Join us for this must-watch discussion that challenges perceptions, highlights systemic issues, and offers a glimmer of hope through collective action and radical compassion.

Visit Invisible People’s website

Click here to support our important work

Sign up for bi-weekly news highlights

Invisible People’s Social Media:

• YouTube
• X(Twitter)
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change, and thoughtful dialogue around poverty and homelessness.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Changing the Narrative: The Invisible People Podcast! Join us as we kick off our series with an in-depth and heartfelt interview with Mark Horvath, the founder of Invisible People. In this premiere episode, Mark sits down with Alex Gasaway, the senior producer who has been creating compelling documentaries for Invisible People over the last five years.Alex and Mark delve into Mark's personal journey from experiencing homelessness to becoming a leading advocate for the homeless community. Mark shares his incredible story, filled with highs and lows, from his early days in broadcast and music to losing everything in the 2008 crash. He opens up about his struggles with addiction, his time living on the streets, and the pivotal moments that inspired him to create Invisible People.This episode is more than just an interview; it's a raw and unfiltered look at the realities of homelessness through the eyes of someone who has lived it. Mark's candid reflections and passionate storytelling offer viewers a unique perspective on the issues facing homeless individuals and the urgent need for empathy and action.Invisible People is dedicated to interviewing homeless people, stakeholders, champions, and those directly affected by homelessness. Future episodes will feature inspiring conversations with activists, policymakers, and everyday heroes working to make a difference.Don't miss this powerful debut episode that sets the stage for many more compelling stories to come. Tune in to understand, empathize, and be inspired to influence positive change.

Visit Invisible People’s website

Click here to support our important work

Sign up for bi-weekly news highlights

Invisible People’s Social Media:

• YouTube
• X(Twitter)
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change, and thoughtful dialogue around poverty and homelessness.