Alumna Named Director of Housing and Human Services for Santa Monica, CA

California Western is pleased to announce that Heather Averick ’11 has been appointed as the Director of Santa Monica’s newly established Housing and Human Services Department. In this new role, Heather will facilitate the completion of the city’s Homelessness Strategic Plan and provide leadership on the city’s housing, education, and social services programs.

Heather has more than 15 years of experience working in affordable housing and with underserved individuals. She comes to the city administration from her previous position as Director of Supportive Housing for Affirmed Housing, a San Diego-based affordable housing developer. 

Heather previously served as executive director and staff attorney for Think Dignity, a nonprofit homeless advocacy group and as executive director for Harvest of Hope Pantry, a food assistance nonprofit. 

While she attended California Western, Heather was on the Dean’s Honor List and received the Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services. 

Santa Monica City Manager David White, in his appointment, remarked that “Heather has the background, expertise and passion our city needs to bring even greater focus on the City Council priority of addressing homelessness and ensuring that everyone in Santa Monica has an opportunity to thrive.”

On being appointed, Heather said, “This is my community. I'm honored to be joining a department and team that has worked tirelessly to support our most vulnerable. I look forward to being a part of their devoted efforts to invest in the community’s basic needs for education, housing, and stability.”