The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans – A multi-award-winning documentary about homeless American veterans, why they are sleeping on the streets and under freeway bridges, and what we, the American people, can do to help them.
- Featuring: Congresswoman Susan Davis, Dave “The Water Man” Ross, Al Pavich
- Directors: Mark Schulze
- Studio: New & Unique Videos
- VHS Release Date: 2008
- Run Time: 40 minutes
- IMDb
Awards
- Accolade Award of Merit
- Big Bear International Film Festival
- Buffalo Niagara Film Festival
- Communitas Award
- Gold Aurora Award
- Gold Hermes Award
- Platinum Ava Award
- Riverside Film Festival
- Telly Award
Where Can You Watch It?
- The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans is a poignant documentary that delves into the challenges faced by homeless veterans in the United States. Viewers interested in this compelling film can watch it on the following platforms:
- Prime Video: If you are a member, you can see the documentary for free.
- Red Coral Universe: The documentary is available for streaming on this platform, offering insights into the lives of veterans and the issues they confront.
- Citizen Green TV: A streaming platform for veterans with a focus on health and well being
- Vimeo: An alternative viewing option is available on Vimeo, providing accessibility to a broader audience.
- These platforms ensure that the stories and experiences highlighted in the documentary reach a wide audience, fostering awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by homeless combat veterans.
The Shameful Issue of Homeless American Veterans
In the year 2007, here the United States as the Iraq War raged on, it was an ironic sight to see countless vehicles adorned with small yellow “Support Our Troops” ribbons on the streets, given that there were more than 200,000 homeless veterans in the country—a fact that often went unnoticed by many Americans.
San Diego Stand Down
Back then, in 2007, Mark Schulze and Patty Mooney, the founders of Crystal Pyramid Productions, the longest-serving San Diego video production company, filmed footage at the 20th-anniversary event of Stand Down organized by the Veterans Administration (VA).
Stand Down is a three-day initiative that offers homeless veterans the opportunity to step off the streets and access essential services such as showers, hot meals, and fresh clothing. In addition to these basics, the veterans receive medical, dental, and holistic care, along with counseling and legal guidance from compassionate volunteers. The San Diego Stand Down served as a blueprint for numerous other Stand Downs initiated across the nation by individuals who found it tragic that our wartime heroes were living on the streets.
Stepping Up For Homeless Veterans
Schulze and Mooney were deeply moved by what they had learned at the San Diego Stand Down: the staggering number of homeless veterans in the United States. After spending two days interviewing and connecting with men and women who had served their country—some with missing limbs and all without homes—Mooney was overcome with emotion. “After three days of respite from the streets, they have to return to that harsh reality. We must do something for them!” Schulze declared, “Why don’t we leverage our strengths and skills? Let’s create a documentary.”
It took a year for the couple to produce The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans. They conducted interviews with key figures, including Congressman Bob Filner, Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee; Congresswoman Susan Davis, Chair of the Military Personnel Committee; Gary Becks, Director of the Rescue Task Force; Dr. Jon Nachison, Co-Founder of San Diego Stand Down; Al Pavich, Former Commander and Retired CEO of VVSD (Veterans Village of San Diego); Darcy Pavich, Chaplain and Stand Down Coordinator; Brigadier General Bob Cardenas; Robert Schmidt, Director of Vince Lombardi Association; Jessica Brian and Michael Kilmer, Veterans Administration Outreach Therapists, and several homeless veterans.
Everyone involved in the documentary contributed their time and expertise pro bono, including the creation of music, box cover graphics, website development, and DVD replication. Mooney worked tirelessly, editing during nights and weekends, facing technical challenges. Whenever thoughts of giving up crossed her mind, she remembered that there were homeless veterans in need that very night, and their plight compelled her to persevere.
The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans has received several prestigious national awards, including a Platinum Ava, a Gold Aurora, an Accolade Award of Merit, a Gold Hermes Award, and a Telly Award, all in recognition of its significant impact on bringing about social change. Additionally, it was featured at the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival in May 2009.
How Can We Help Homeless Veterans?
The Stand Down initiative has proven so successful that 2023 statistics report nearly 33,000 homeless veterans across the nation. It would then appear that between 2007 and 2023, the number of homeless veterans in America decreased by 167,000, representing an 83.5% reduction in veteran homelessness. Although there are still too many homeless veterans sleeping on our streets, we the American people have made progress in performing our civic duty to reward those who have protected our freedoms with their very lives.
Patty Mooney Re-Masters The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans
In 2025, award-winning editor Patty Mooney re-mastered and re-edited The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans, breathing new life into the powerful documentary. With enhanced visuals, improved sound design, and a refined narrative flow, the updated version ensures that the voices of homeless combat veterans are heard with even greater impact. This reimagined edition also features an evocative new soundtrack by Candace Love, whose music adds depth and emotion to the film’s urgent message. By combining her expertise in editing with the power of music and modern technology, Mooney has created a version that not only honors the original film’s mission but also resonates with audiences today.