Diane Nilan is the founder and president of HEAR US, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing visibility to children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness across America.
Since founding HEAR US in 2005, Diane has traveled extensively throughout the United States documenting the realities of family homelessness through advocacy, interviews, photography, writing, and film. Her work has taken her through urban centers, rural communities, shelters, campgrounds, vehicles, motels, and doubled-up living situations where families often remain unseen and unheard.
Working directly with families and youth, Diane has spent decades helping communities better understand the educational, emotional, and social challenges connected to homelessness. Her work combines storytelling with advocacy, helping turn statistics into personal human experiences.
Before launching HEAR US, Diane worked in shelter programs and statewide advocacy efforts while also contributing to national conversations surrounding homeless education and policy. She collaborated with educators, service organizations, and advocacy groups working to improve awareness and support systems for vulnerable children and families.
Over the years, Diane’s work has been featured through public speaking engagements, film screenings, interviews, articles, and collaborative educational initiatives focused on homelessness awareness and social change.
For years, Diane traveled the country in a series of vehicles affectionately known as “Tillie the Turtle,” using them as transportation, office space, interview locations, and temporary homes while documenting stories from communities across America.
This road-based approach allowed Diane to meet families where they were living, whether in shelters, campgrounds, motels, vehicles, or doubled-up housing situations often hidden from public view.
Through thousands of miles on backroads and highways, HEAR US became more than an organization. It became a moving platform for advocacy, storytelling, education, and visibility for children and families experiencing homelessness.
“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.”
— Barbara E. James, Project Director, Texas Homeless Education Office
“Diane epitomizes the Lifetime Achievement Award, having devoted so many years professionally and personally to serving and advocating for homeless children, youth and families.
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 children and their families.”
— Pam Kies-Lowe, Michigan Department of Education
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
Diane received NAEHCY’s highest honor in recognition of more than three decades of advocacy, storytelling, and service supporting children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness across America.
The award recognized Diane’s national impact through education, film, public speaking, and direct community engagement.
Texas Homeless Network
In September 2013, Diane received the Kathy Reid Award, the Texas Homeless Network’s highest honor, recognizing her dedication to homeless children and families and her continued advocacy work nationwide.
University of St. Francis – Joliet, Illinois
Diane’s alma mater, the University of St. Francis, presented her with the prestigious Sister Clare Award in March 2014.
Given in the spirit of Clare of Assisi, the award recognizes women of vision who create transformative change in their communities and serve as role models for others.
In honor of the recognition, an anonymous donor offered a $10,000 challenge grant. Supporters, former students, teachers, and community advocates helped HEAR US match the grant, raising $20,000 to support future projects.
Additional coverage included an interview on the USF television station following the award presentation.
Presented in October 2015, the Mother Alfred Moes Award honored Diane’s decades of service supporting homeless children, youth, and families.
Diane was joined by HEAR US board members, longtime supporters, educators, and community advocates during the recognition ceremony.
NAEHCY
NAEHCY recognized the HEAR US documentary Worn Out Welcome Mat – Kansas with its Best Targeted Campaign Award in 2015.
The documentary highlighted the realities of doubled-up homelessness affecting children, youth, and families across Kansas communities.
The Education Center – Naperville, Illinois
In November 2012, Diane received The Education Center’s highest honor, the Kids’ Best Friend Award, recognizing her advocacy and lifelong commitment to vulnerable children and families.
She was joined by HEAR US board members Rita Sullivan, Helen Jilek OSB, and Pat Van Doren during the event.
Bridge Communities
Bridge Communities honored Diane with the Lives Transformed Award in April 2012 for her ongoing efforts to bring visibility, understanding, and advocacy to families experiencing homelessness.
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