Who We Are

HATS was founded with the goal of addressing the pressing needs of underserved individuals in our community. Led by our Executive Director, Veronica Lara, and a team of dedicated professionals, we bring years of experience in social services, healthcare navigation, and housing support to the table.

Veronica Lara is an accomplished executive leader with a deep passion for enhancing community health and well-being. As a seasoned Chief Executive Officer, she has a demonstrated history of creating and overseeing healthcare and social service programs that effectively meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Veronica excels in strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and program development, ensuring lasting impact through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Holding a Master of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University, Veronica’s extensive experience in counseling, case management, and social work deeply informs her expertise in mental health, community outreach, and the social determinants of health. She has held pivotal roles in care management, behavioral health, social work, and housing navigation, working with diverse populations such as justice-involved individuals, youth, and people experiencing homelessness.

Certified as both a Peer Support Specialist and Community Health Worker, Veronica brings a holistic, trauma-informed approach to leadership and service delivery. She is dedicated to mentorship, workforce development, and the advancement of culturally responsive care models that promote health equity.

Veronica’s leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration, empowerment, and advocacy, ensuring equitable access to care, resources, and opportunities that foster long-term stability and well-being for individuals and communities.

With her leadership and our team's deep understanding of the challenges faced by many in Monterey County, HATS is uniquely positioned to help those who need it most. Our comprehensive approach to care ensures that no one falls through the cracks, whether they need help finding a doctor, securing housing, or navigating complex healthcare systems.

What We Do

At HATS, we provide two core services:

• Enhanced Care Management (ECM): Our ECM program connects clients to healthcare services, helps manage their medical needs, and coordinates care between doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals.

• Community Supports (CS): Our CS program focuses on housing-related services, including helping clients find stable housing, securing housing deposits, and ensuring long-term housing sustainability.

We partner with Closer Walk, a local ministry, to offer additional outreach and support for individuals dealing with homelessness, addiction, and other challenges. Our collaborative efforts are designed to address not just the physical needs of our clients but also the emotional and psychological barriers they face.

Our Vision

We envision a Monterey County where every person, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive. Through our services, we aim to reduce homelessness, improve access to healthcare, and build a stronger, healthier community for all.

Get Involved

Whether you're a client looking for assistance or a community member looking to help, we invite you to join us. Learn more about our services or find out how you can donate, volunteer, or partner with us to make a lasting impact on Monterey County by contacting us at info@hatsmc.org.