Washington County recently welcomed Kim Haughn as one of its newest members on the Homeless Solutions Advisory Council, bringing her expertise from her role as Community Risk Reduction Manager at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue to the forefront of combating community risks and homelessness, a Washington County report highlighted.
Haughn, known for her strategic programming to curtail unnecessary 911 calls and fill service voids, fosters collaboration with partner agencies to ensure resources are timely and appropriat, her experience is seen as a valuable asset to the Solutions Council, the synergy between TVF&R and community partners, including law enforcement, helps triage the needs of the unsheltered, provide compassionate care, and facilitate access to sustainable support.
The emphasis is on connection over hospitalization, as Kim explains, "Our primary mission is to respond to life-threatening emergencies, yet we increasingly serve as a broader safety net for those who are unsure of where to turn," she told Washington County. "Our houseless community members who resort to 911 for help often simply need basic support that our outreach partners are equipped to provide."
Programs like expanded shelters, hotel vouchers, and day centers play a crucial role, they not only provide refuge but also reduce emergency service involvement by addressing root problems before developing into crises, Haughn adds, noting the decrease in illness, injury, substance use, and worsening health among sheltered individuals. The wraparound support on offer helps stabilize and steer those in need, which she attributes to the success of these initiatives.
Reflecting on a past outreach effort, Haughn recounted a moment shared with an encampment resident who, after nearly two decades of homelessness, had accepted a housing voucher, it was a testament to the cumulative work and commitment she and her colleagues pour into their mission – a mission punctuated by such victories that underscore the human impact beyond the statistics. "It was an unforgettable moment," she recalled in the conversation with Washington County.
