Local Filmmakers Spotlight Homelessness In America In '@home'

By Gina Provenzano in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 16, 2014 4:30PM

Image courtesy of Kindling Group

How do we begin to solve the homeless crisis in America? A new documentary from local filmmakers at Kindling Group thinks the answer starts with listening and empathy. @home follows social media activist Mark Horvath as he takes a cross-country trip to highlight the plight of several individuals living without a roof over their heads.

Horvath, who was once homeless himself, interviews numerous people who have fallen on hard times and tries to tell their stories. From meeting people who have resorted to living in tunnels to those forced to scrape together just enough to live in motels, Horvath stops to take a deeply personal look at these situations and asks what lead to these dire circumstances.

While the film highlights these stories it also shows the power and reach of social media in driving change through social activism. Horvath documented much of his cross-country journey through the Twitter handle @invisiblepeople, which now has over 31,000 followers. With a premiere timed perfectly for the season of giving, Horvath and @home filmmakers hope viewers do more than watch these stories.

Viewers are encouraged to join the social conversation on Twitter via @home_campaign and on the film's Tumblr page. More stories from Horvath's incredible journey can also be viewed on his YouTube channel Invisible People TV.

@home makes its broadcast premiere Wednesday Dec. 17 on WTTW Chicago at 9 p.m.