Dr. April Silas
Homeless Children’s Network
Dr. April Y. Silas, CEO of Homeless Children’s Network (HCN) since 1992, is a visionary leader who has dedicated her life to transforming the futures of homeless children, youth, and families. With over 40 years of experience working with low-income youth of color facing profound barriers—such as substance abuse and trauma—Dr. Silas has positioned HCN as a beacon of hope and healing for marginalized communities. Under her leadership, HCN has become a trailblazer in providing culturally grounded mental health services for Black/African American communities in San Francisco, with the pioneering Ma’at Program offering holistic, compassionate support to Black youth and families.
Dr. Silas’ leadership is defined by relationship-building, resilience, and a fierce dedication to breaking the cycles of poverty, racism, and violence that affect generations. Her lifelong mission is to uplift those disenfranchised and silenced by systemic oppression, guiding them toward healing and strength.
Nationally recognized for her groundbreaking work, Dr. Silas is a tireless advocate for Black/African American, LGBTQIA+, and homeless communities. Appointed to the Mayor’s LGBTQI+ Advisory Committee for the San Francisco Human Rights Commission in 2021, her impact continues to grow. In 2022, the Ma’at Program was featured in a federal guide as a model for adapting evidence-based practices for under-resourced communities, further solidifying Dr. Silas’ role as a transformative force in the fight for equity and justice.