Homeless Children’s Network Awarded Grant from the Decolonizing Wealth Project’s Youth Mental Health Fund

Homeless Children’s Network is honored to be selected as a grantee of the Decolonizing Wealth Project’s Youth Mental Health Fund.

PRESS RELEASE 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA—-Homeless Children’s Network (HCN) is honored to announce its selection as one of 34 organizations nationwide to receive support from the Decolonizing Wealth Project’s inaugural Youth Mental Health Fund (YMHF). This partnership strengthens HCN’s longstanding mission to ensure that BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth in San Francisco have access to identity-affirming, culturally grounded mental and behavioral health services—free of barriers tied to insurance, language, or immigration status.

For more than 30 years, HCN has served as a cornerstone of culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for San Francisco’s most marginalized children, youth, and families. Founded in 1992, the organization has grown into a trusted community institution, providing relationship-based mental health care rooted in culture, connection, and the belief that every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen.

The Youth Mental Health Fund arrives at a critical moment. Demand for HCN’s programs has continued to rise even as public funding for youth mental health has declined. Across the city, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth—especially those navigating homelessness, poverty, or family instability—are facing escalating levels of stress, anxiety, grief, and social isolation. This investment from the Decolonizing Wealth Project directly supports HCN’s ability to meet these urgent needs with HCN’s free, identity-affirming care.

Through this support, HCN will strengthen and expand its vital programs for youth like Entre Nosotros, Jabali Youth Advocacy, and Community Mental Health, which provide bilingual and bicultural mental health services, youth leadership development, culturally grounded support groups, and advocacy training. These programs help young people build trusted relationships, develop peer and adult support networks, and explore pathways to healing and self-determination.

“HCN’s work is grounded in the belief that culture is a powerful source of healing,” said Dr. April Y. Silas, CEO  of Homeless Children’s Network. “This support from the Decolonizing Wealth Project’ Youth Mental Health Fund helps us reach young people with care that honors their identities, reflects their communities, and centers their voices. It is an investment not just in mental health, but in the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of our youth. We are proud to stand alongside the Decolonizing Wealth Project and the other grantee organizations working to create a future where every young person has access to the care they deserve.”

As one of the Youth Mental Health Fund’s inaugural grantees, HCN joins a national community of organizations dedicated to transforming youth mental health through culture, connection, and collective care. This partnership affirms HCN’s commitment to expanding access, uplifting youth leadership, and strengthening community-centered healing practices at a time when marginalized youth need support more than ever. 

For more information about Homeless Children’s Network and our programs, please visit our website at www.hcnkids.org or contact us at info@hcnkids.org. For more information about the Decolonizing Wealth Project please visit their website at www.decolonizingwealth.com