Using Social Media to Put a Face on Homelessness with Mark Horvath

Mark Horvath is a passionate guy with an incredible story. He goes by the name Hardly Normal and fights to put a face on homelessness by using the internet, social media and  InvisiblePeople.TV (content can be intense) to share stories about real people battling with being out on the street. If you ever doubted the power of the social web or questioned it’s potential to create true impact, spend some time checking out what Mark has helped do. It’s powerful. If you went and checked out any of the links above you may be wondering why a person would go to such lengths …

Here’s a bit of what Mark as to say …

Who am I? My name is Mark and I live in Los Angeles which I affectionately call LaLa Land. To me, success is really about relationships and not stock portfolios or junk we end up selling on Craigslist. I value my friends, and I believe superficial intimacy and conflict-avoiding relationships do not deserve the name of friendship. Real friends work through challenges – and LOVE ALWAYS.

I’m not normal, but few people who’ve made a lasting impact on their world have been conventional. I want to challenge your thinking and start a conversation that will result in making this world a better place.

While at SXSW 2011 I had a got a few minutes to catch up with Mark.

Watch the video from SXSW 2011 to learn more about how Mark is using the social web to change the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Frank Barry

Frank Barry, formerly worked at Blackbaud helping nonprofits use the Internet for digital communication, social media, and fundraising. He’s worked with a diverse group of organizations including LIVESTRONG, United Methodist Church, American Heart Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, ChildFund Int’l, InTouch Ministries, Heifer Int’l, University of Notre Dame and University of Richmond. Along with writing for industry publications like Mashable and Social Media Today, Frank facilitates discussions, presents solo sessions and organizes panels for industry conferences such as NTC, SXSW, BBCon and numerous others. When he’s out and about he enjoys talking to interesting people about how they are changing the world – check out his interviews. Say Hi on Twitter – @franswaa or Google+