Viper

I have mixed feelings about today.

On one hand, Im excited. Today- Wednesday, July 15th, 2009- marks the beginning of the InvisibePeople.tv Road Trip, U.S.A.

Today my journey to tent cities, shelters, and motels in over 20 cities across the country commences.

Today I set out to start capturing raw, unedited stories of people without a home, to bring their faces, their history, and their hopes to people around the world.

Originally, I had intended to get in my car and set out for Las Vegas; I didnt plan on including stories from LA on the tour. After all, much of my content comes from the streets of Los Angeles.

But then, something about that didnt feel right. I couldnt start my journey without going back to the streets where I was homeless many years ago. Returning to Hollywood Boulevard is a good reminder of where I came from, where Im going, and most important why Im doing this.

So yesterday, on the streets of Hollywood Boulevard, I ran into Viper, a woman I met and interviewed last January. Six months ago, I cautioned that her story is tough to watch. Today, I must again heed the same warning. Viper is still homeless. She still sleeps on the streets each night. Sharing her story with the world six months ago has not changed the pain and struggles she deals with every day.

Hence the mixed feelings.

The Road Trip is both exciting and somber. I look forward to bringing you stories from people across the country who may otherwise be forgotten, shunned, and unknown. I look forward to bypassing the mainstream media spin and dispelling myths and stereotypes about homelessness in America. I look forward to meeting people who are no different than you and me. People with hopes and plans for a better tomorrow.

But at the same time, without action, this effort to share stories is futile. Change will not come without collective action.

So as the Road Trip kicks off today, I hope these stories spark something inside of you.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• mark
• horvath
• homeless
• recession
• economy
• poverty
• invisiblepeople.tv
• invisible people
• los angeles
• laist
• Homelessness

[PeaceForMiddleEarth]

I can't stand seeing the comments people post about Viper (or any homeless person) being overweight. It may be her fault it may not. But insulting her about it even though she'll probably never see these comments is inhuman and cruel.

[briannacollins44]

I pray viper gets to see her daughter.

[jenniferashley99]

Hey Mark, next time your around there (I know you are traveling) you should really see and update us on how Viper is. Hopefully, she is in a new home.

[attemptingtobehumble]

How do you get SSI if you are homeless?

[simpleprincess3]

I KNOW this lady personally. shes been homeless for a LONG time I lost touch with ehr after 2007 as I went home. id love her to find a place to live. shes nice.

[funbun5]

I'd tap that

[Chrisguy42O]

@ririmja u said u did

[ririmja]

Stop being ignorant and no i haven't eaten a bulldog.

[Chrisguy42O]

HOW is she that big and homeless?

[maximx420]

If I only knew where I could donate to help her! I would send atleast 100 US or more to help.

[bagepeeny]

How is poverty a choice? Not everyone in America can be rich or have jobs, because the system can not handle every single person working. Since its a man made system there are flaws, and the richer only get richer while many people are losing their homes. So since your saying poverty is a choice then lets see you create a system were there are jobs for everyone.