Hazel Lopez

Los Angeles is a sparkling nexus of innovation and impact. St. Vincent Jewelry Center’s Gems of LA honors extraordinary women who are at the forefront of social change. As they strive to improve lives in our city, these true LA Gems shine as bright as the bling they model for St. Vincent.

Meet Gems of LA honoree, Hazel Lopez. Hazel is the director of CS (Coordinated Entry System) and community engagement for The People Concern, one of Los Angeles County’s largest social services agencies. The People Concern provides our city’s burgeoning homeless population much-needed outreach, interim housing, medical care, domestic violence services, life skills, wellness programs, permanent supportive housing, and other vital assistance. Hazel oversees all activities related to coordinated entry into the system in the LA Metro region, home to approximately 15,000 homeless individuals.

Like The People Concern, she believes each person should be housed, healthy, and safe, and seeks to empower the most vulnerable among us while educating the broader community on issues related to homelessness.

The People Concern was created out of the merger of two organizations — the LAMP Community, in the heart of skid row, and OPCC in Santa Monica. For three decades it has helped thousands of individuals to become their best selves. The People Concern is also an active participant in shaping public policy.

Click here to learn how The People Concern helps men, women, and children find safe, secure housing and pathways to better lives.