Homeless Children's Network

Every day, children and families face the trauma of homelessness, often without access to mental health resources. Since 1992, our dedicated clinicians have worked tirelessly to provide compassionate care and trauma informed mental health services. At HCN, children, families, and community members heal, build resilience, and thrive within safe, supportive communities.

Who We Are

Homeless Children’s Network (HCN) is a Black-, LGBTQIA+-led organization and the premier San Francisco agency providing comprehensive early intervention and mental health support to children and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or living in intergenerational poverty.

HCN empowers children, youth, and families toward a brighter future by decreasing the trauma of homelessness, poverty, and domestic violence.

What We Do

HCN provides essential community-based mental health solutions that support 2,500+ vulnerable children and families. HCN has deep expertise serving children, youth, and families in facing challenges related to homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, and substance use. We see each child and their families through a strengths-based lens. We connect providers to to clients that respect and reflect the experiences and needs of Black, Latine, and LGBTQIA+ communities, creating spaces where they feel heard, seen, and understood. 

We are committed to providing the best services for families through solutions that help level the playing field and support long-term sustainability. HCN’s clinical team has a broad presence across 60+ community sites, including shelters, schools, and healthcare providers.

Why Our Work Matters

• Black people make up 5.7% of the city’s population but account for 23.7% of its homeless residents. (SF Homeless Point in Time Count, 2024)
• Over the past decade, Black/African American mothers in San Francisco accounted for 50% of infant deaths, despite making up only about 4% of all births. (SF Health Improvement Partnership)
• Black San Franciscans live an average ten years less than White, Asian, or Latine residents and face higher incidences of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. (SF Gov)
• Black people make up 5.7% of the city’s population but account for 23.7% of its homeless residents. (SF Homeless Point in Time Count, 2024)
• Black LGBTQIA+ & Youth LGBTQIA+ individuals face unique mental health challenges in terms of needs, risks, and access.
• Higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and substance use are consistently reported in LGBTQIA+ populations, especially among youth and transgender individuals.
• Lack of access to mental health care. (The 2022 Trevor Project poll found that 60% of respondents were unable to get necessary mental health services.)
• The Trevor poll found that 38% of LGBTQ youth reported having been physically threatened or harmed due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Threats of conversion therapy.
• Youth LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially people of color, are at a higher risk of homelessness and substance use disorders, for example.

Our History

Founded in 1992 to fill a critical gap. Six shelter leaders recognized the need for continuity in support for families experiencing homelessness, breaking the cycle of attachment and loss.

Providing a stable, long-term support system. HCN meets families wherever they are (homes, schools, shelters, etc.) offering consistent care for those facing housing insecurity and mental health challenges.

A growing force in San Francisco’s system of care. From humble beginnings, HCN has expanded into a network of 60+ service providers, strengthening support for vulnerable families.

Our Vision

Culturally affirming mental health care for all.

Healthy and safe youth and families.

Systems of poverty and discrimination abolished.

Homelessness eradicated.

How You Can Help

Our collective strength is measured by how we uplift one another. Every contribution helps build a stronger, more compassionate community. Your support helps us provide vital mental health services and an extensive network of support and innovative programs that empower children, youth, and families toward a brighter future!

Connect with us!

Visit our website Learn more about what we do. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Word of mouth helps us get the word out and elevates an understanding of what's happening in our community.

Make a gift!

Every donation is a lifeline. Recurring donations ensure a reliable and consistent support base, allowing us to invest in programs and capacity that supports our core work.