Heather Varden has spent over a decade championing solutions to homelessness, social inequity, and community empowerment in the Antelope Valley. She brings extensive experience in human services, community relations, and government affairs to her role as Deputy Mayor of Services Coordination and Community Empowerment for the City of Lancaster.

 

Heather formerly served as the Partnership Coordinator for Valley Oasis, the lead Coordinated Entry System (CES) agency in the Antelope Valley, where she fostered deep collaboration among nonprofits and service providers. As the Antelope Valley Field Organizer for United Way’s “Everyone In” campaign, she mobilized public support for permanent housing solutions and educated the community on the region’s homelessness crisis.

 

A committed grassroots leader, Heather founded the Antelope Valley Chapter of 1st Saturdays, a volunteer initiative that distributes hygiene kits and clothing to unhoused neighbors each month. She also served as a Homeless Engagement Team member for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), providing direct outreach and support throughout Service Planning Area 1.

 

Heather has led the Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count in Lancaster for over ten years, participating in specialized teams to survey the region’s most isolated and underserved populations.

 

She is Co-Chair of SALT 1 (Service Area Leadership Team for SPA 1), which partners closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to improve mental health outcomes in the region. Heather also co-chairs the Odd Art Expo, a community event that uses creative expression to promote mental health awareness, and serves as a Union Steward, advocating for workers’ rights and well-being.

 

Heather’s leadership is guided by principles of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and equity. She founded the Lancaster Social Equity Commission to address systemic disparities and continues to build bridges across sectors to ensure every resident of Lancaster not only survives—but thrives.