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Lider Restrepo: HCN's Quiet Achiever
- Jul 29
- 6 min read
Staff Spotlight |Non-Profit |Community Giving & Partnerships
When Lider Restrepo first joined HCN, he arrived at a transitional moment in his own life, looking for work grounded in compassion and community. From the start, his tenacity and benevolent spirit mirrored the values of the organization and our greater mission, earning him the "Silent Night" holiday award last December. As you read this blog you will discover why that title completely personifies who Lider Restrepo is.
On this month's staff spotlight, we spoke with Lider about his journey, his work, and why the mission of HCN is deeply personal to him. He speaks to his background, the experiences that shaped his sense of solidarity, and the path that carried him into nonprofit development.
What's your role at HCN, and what does a typical week look like for you?
"I'm a Development Associate, and a typical week for me is connecting with organizations, volunteers, donors, and a whole variety of people, and coordinating projects that grow HCN's resources and reach. In other words, I'm planning and executing fundraising campaigns, running events, working with volunteers, keeping our data updated and organized, communicating with donors, and supporting the many ongoing projects we have at HCN."
The Development Associate role is an integral part of our development team here at HCN. Lider supports our Chief Development Officer, Sara Ferree, with the day-to-day work of fundraising and stewardship. It is a role that deeply impacts nearly every corner of the organization.
What drew you to this kind of work, and what brought you to HCN?
"Growing up, I had my own experiences with housing instability. My family moved a lot, with periods spent staying with friends and family in spare rooms or on the living room floor or wherever my ever-resourceful mother ensured we'd have some comfort and peace of mind, even if it was temporary. That naturally left me with an unapologetic ardor for those dealing with similar struggles. HCN is an organization that directly understands the critical relationship between mental health and poverty, in a way that does not make you choose between healing your heart and handling your affairs. And it doesn't neglect how the historical legacy of racism still creates immense barriers for Black people and people of color to succeed. Neither comes first. It's important that we do what we can to give people the tools to embark on the frankly heroic task of lifting themselves up amid material and emotional hardship. I'm grateful to work among people who share these values and are willing to do what they must to see them realized."
At HCN, we believe in culturally responsive, trauma-informed care, and in the truth that those who have lived through hardship are often the best equipped to support others moving through something similar. Lider, is a perfect example of that belief in practice, and it shows in the way he shows up every day, with integrity and humility.
You've built relationships with local businesses like Community Thrift, Gilead, and Cole Hardware. Why do those partnerships matter for an organization like HCN?
"These kinds of partnerships highlight the important role that businesses can play in supporting the communities they are a part of. That often looks like giving back through Round Up at the Register campaigns, donating proceeds to HCN, or teaming up with us to create care packages for new parents or unhoused people."
You've also been helping donors give through their workplace or their long-term plans. For someone who's never heard of that, what does it mean?
"A lot of companies offer programs that make it easier to support causes that matter to their employees. One way employers encourage workplace giving is by offering platforms to donate straight from a paycheck, enabling volunteering, and matching gifts for employee donations or volunteer hours, which doubles the impact of their support. In most organizations, that conversation starts with Human Resources, a corporate social responsibility department, or the employee experience team if your company has one. You can also reach out to Lider directly: development@hcnkids.org. Planned, or legacy, giving is another way people can support an organization's mission well into the future. It can mean including HCN in a will or estate plan, naming us as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account, or another kind of legacy gift. The process is fairly straightforward, just let us know when you've included us, so we can honor your dedication."
What's a moment or milestone that made you feel like the work was really paying off?
"I'm very proud of the effort around our Donor Advocates program. It's a community of some of our most passionate supporters organizing fundraisers in their own neighborhoods. It takes a lot of planning and effort to get an initiative off the ground, and a bit of time passes between launching and seeing results. But after a very successful yoga event at Adeline Yoga Studio, organized by one of our dedicated volunteers, we saw how valuable this idea is beyond the funds it raised. I'm always happy to receive any kind of support, but there is something special about knowing it comes from a fundamental understanding of the kind of world HCN is trying to help build."
HCN's donor Advocates are working to raise funds in 2026 by turning their own networks into sources of support for homeless children and families across San Francisco, and HCN walks beside each of them with training, coaching, and encouragement the whole way. To take that first step, reach out to Líder Restrepo at development@hcnkids.org
Okay, a little rapid fire round. What's something people might not know about you?
"My trivia team received the award for Best Team Name, and we once got Most Average Team twice in a row. We didn't receive trophies for it, but I like to imagine them on my mantle. Other than that, a fun fact is that I was once interviewed by a Japanese magazine covering a convening of activists in the Northeastern US."
And how do you like to spend your time outside of work?
"These days, I love unwinding with some karaoke or trivia with friends, experiencing art, and cuddling with my dog while watching X-Files reruns. I also enjoy getting lost on backroads, writing poetry, and I engage in some international solidarity work."
What's your hope for HCN's giving community in the year ahead?
"I hope we can continue exceeding our goals and deepen engagement with the community of supporters who have dedicated themselves to HCN. Their involvement and enthusiasm has been infectious. It makes our aims feel like simply taking another step and not a feat. That sustained energy means we can devote more of our resources to expanding the scope and scale of our programs."
Last one. If someone reading this wants to get more involved, what's the easiest first step they can take?
"First, I'd say follow us, on Instagram, LinkedIn, and our newsletter, and stay up to date on all the exciting things we're up to. Then, if you're feeling inspired, donate. The funds we receive are vital to keeping HCN running. Donations from individuals allow us to pilot new, innovative programs, support projects and essential operations not typically covered under other funding, and continue providing direct support to children and families on their journey of healing and growth. You could also consider organizing a fundraiser in your community through our Donor Advocates program, whether that's an online fundraiser, a yoga event, or a birthday party. It's as simple as telling people about our mission and asking. But most importantly, reach out to us. There are so many ways to support our work, and our most cherished relationships are with the folks who keep showing up in different ways, motivated by a personal ethos they share with HCN."
Lider's work is vital thread in the larger fabric of Homeless Children's Network, an organization that provides mental health services, family support, and community programming to historically marginalized children and families across San Francisco. Our development team is the engine that keeps that mission resourced, gathering the support that lets our programs reach more people, and reach them well. We are so grateful for team member's like Lider who truly reflect our mission and as always, if our work speaks to you, we invite you to join us.
Written by: Isatou Gaye, Communications Manager
