Diane Nilan has worked extensively with the homeless population for many years. She has devoted her life to helping homeless kids. They are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population explosion. They try to give a voice and a face to the kids who are the most affected and least responsible for the situation they find them selves in. How can a child learn in school if they don't know where they are sleeping, and when they are going to eat again. Hear Us have won honors for the documentary video they put together. My husband was a former client, as well as a couple of friends and an ex boy friend. All except the ex got back on their feet, and are now home owners. We are all so grateful to be blessed by this special Heaven sent woman.
I worked with Diane Nilan many years ago and was not surprised when she embarked on this amazing journey to work toward the eradication of homelessness in America. There are few Americans more devoted to making this world a better place and I wish we had a thousand more of her.
I became involved in HEAR US (Homeless Education Awareness Raising in the U.S.) after reading Diane Nilan's book Crossing the Line and viewing My Own Four Walls documentary. I believe the ability for such a small amount of people to advocate for so many is remarkable. I have met people who have been helped by HEAR US and heard their stories. I am committed to staying on the board and working hard to advocate for the homeless population throughout the United States. I encourage everyone to see all the documentaries and read the publications to see how they too can help.
I also serve on the advisory board of HEAR US. I wanted to mention that up front for two reasons. Firstly, I -- of course -- would not want anyone to think that I was a "plant" writing a favorable review. And secondly, it is important to note that I rarely lend my time and energy serve in this capacity. Only when a group or organization works tirelessly and with a dedication that I admire on behalf of the greater good do I try and help out. It is an honor to be involved with HEAR US. And I only hope that what little I can contribute to their good work is worthy of the homeless children served by these fine folks.
Hear Us gives a voice to the forgotten and vulnerable in our country through production of high quality, moving and informative documentaries featuring homeless, formerly homeless or those on the edge of homelessness individuals, who tell their stories in their own words. Founder, Diane Nilan, travels around the country listening, producing the documentaries, presenting at conferences and in university social work classes, testifying and advocating in Washington and partnering with those in the field to change perceptions and make the local and national changes needed to bring an end to homelessness in this country. Inspiring and effective, please give generously to this orgainzation.
