Since 2005, HEAR US offers award-winning resources and information for those concerned about children, teens and families experiencing homelessness.
HEAR US gives voice and visibility to children, youth and families experiencing homelessness.
Why is this important?
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| This wide-ranging interview of Diane gives a glimpse into her 3+ decades working with families experiencing homelessness. (West Suburban Living magazine, 2/2022) |
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MidLife Dialogues 2-part interview of Diane gives insights about her life's work. July 2024 |
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Diane and her home/office/vehicle, "Tillie 2" |
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NAEHCY Best Targeted Campaign 2015, for the HEAR US documentary Worn Out Welcome Mat - Kansas, depicting families and youth in doubled up homelessness. |
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Mother Alfred Moes award, Joliet Franciscan Sisters, presented to Diane in Oct. 2015, honoring Diane's decades of efforts serving homeless families and youth. Diane was joined by many of her HEAR US board members, Pat LaMarche (Babe of Wrath), and several of her high school and college teachers. |
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University of St. Francis, Joliet IL, Diane's alma mater, presented her with the esteemed Sister Clare Award (March 2014) The Sister Clare Award: In honor of this award, an anonymous donor offered a $10,000 challenge grant. A tremendous outpouring of support--from Diane's high school teachers, students she taught decades ago, and a wide range of friends and believers--enabled HEAR US to match the grant, raising $20,000 for future projects. Interview on USF TV station (March 2014) |
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In Sept. 2013, Diane received the Texas Homeless Network's highest honor, the Kathy Reid Award. |
Bridge Communities recognized Diane's work with their Lives Transformed award in April 2012. |
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Top honors from the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (2012) Diane was presented with the Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award for her many accomplishments in the past 3 decades. Dr. Laura Vazquez (right), professor from Northern Illinois University whose immeasurable contributions to the HEAR US film efforts from the beginning, received NAEHCY's Distinguished Service and Leadership Award.
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No national organization does what HEAR US does...
gives voice and visibility to children and youth
experiencing homelessness...
Despite the reality that homelessness affects millions of families with children and youth on their own...
Who listens to homeless kids?
HEAR US was part of an unprecedented Congressional hearing that had homeless children and youth informing legislators about what it is like to face homelessness.
Rumi (photo, left), an 11-yo from Pennsylvania, courageously shared his story to the legislators, and was so compelling that CNN invited him and Diane to be on the air two times following the hearing!
HEAR US is flexible enough to respond quickly to opportunities that share homeless families/youth stories of homelessness. This short video, PA Homeless Families, was quickly made upon request of a shelter director in Carlisle, PA, to share their kids' observations on homelessness with PA legislators.
When asked to create a short, powerful video for a congressional briefing on families experiencing homelessness, HEAR US produced Nowhere To Go: Family Homelessness in America.
Here's a list of HEAR US videos from across the country.
Who knows much about homeless families?
Homeless families are the experts about homelessness! HEAR US provides opportunities for homeless families and youth to tell their stories. Among the acclaimed documentaries HEAR US made early on:
HEAR US facilitates opportunities for homeless children, parents and youth to speak with media.
HEAR US does this and so much more! This unique organization combines 40+ years experience working with homeless families, youth and individuals with the passion to advocate for systemic change.
Since 2005, HEAR US has filled the gap, met the need, created useful, award-winning tools to raise awareness of and sensitivity to homeless children and youth, and insisted that homelessness can be alleviated. Your support is needed to continue the work of HEAR US!
| Diane has received outstanding recommendations for her work. Here are just a couple: | Diane's Speaking Engagements Include:
State/National Conferences National
NAEHCY
State
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I have known Ms. Nilan for about 15 years and enthusiastically endorse her presence in your community. Diane was keynote speaker at the Texas Homeless Network conference and was very well received by attendees. Her list of successes is endless and her passion for homeless kids is unrivaled. She has made a personal commitment to service that most of us can only dream about…I would encourage you to work with neighboring districts as well—her message needs to be spread as far and wide as possible! Barbara E. James, Project Director, Excerpt from the winning nomination of Ms. Diane Nilan for the Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award through the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY). (Nov. 2012) Diane epitomizes the Lifetime Achievement Award, having devoted so many years professionally and personally to serving and advocating for homeless children, youth and families. Her selfless devotion and tireless commitment to improving the lives of those experiencing homelessness is something I strive to emulate. She is truly AMAZING!
I remember hearing Diane for the first time at a NAEHCY conference in the mid-1990s, when I was a district liaison in an urban Michigan school district, just after learning about my newly assigned responsibilities under the McKinney-Vento Law. I was inspired by her presentation, her work and her feisty spirit, and I became determined to carry on this work back in my state...
I believe that the voice of Diane Nilan is not only the voice of homeless children, youth and families throughout this country, but that it has also become the voice of thousands of advocates, school district staff and liaisons supporting our children and their families. She gives our kids a voice, and by doing so gives all of US a voice, as well.
Pam Kies-Lowe State Coordinator for Homeless Education Office of Field Services Special Populations Unit Michigan Department of Education |
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Footage of Diane's interviews/talks:
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Colleges/Universities Columbia University, NYC, School of Social Work
Other interesting places of note... DC, House Financial Sub-committee, testimony
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Now that you signed up for our monthly HEAR US newsletter, why not friend us on Facebook?!
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Follow and interact with Diane as she travels the backroads of the country chronicling homelessness. HEAR US has a vibrant social media presence on FB. Every day Diane posts about family and youth homelessness, poverty and related topics. FRIEND Diane to follow her travels.
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HEAR US-- 2015 - Celebrated 10 Years! 2020 - 15 years - HEAR US 2020 VisionQuest tour (Top) Diane and Tillie, her first office/home on wheels.
(Below) Diane and Tillie2, her 2nd office/home on wheels. |
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To learn more about the real stories of homeless families and youth and what you can do to help, please join our efforts. For the latest from HEAR US:
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Diane's 3 vehicles -- Tillie 1, 2, and 3. 
LOCAL RECOGNITION
