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Kim Haughn (pictured above with Megan Cohen - left, and Kim Marshall - middle), is one of four new members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to the Homeless Solutions Advisory Council (Solutions Council) earlier this year.
As the Community Risk Reduction Manager at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R), Kim is a Washington County expert on strategic programming aimed at building safer communities through risk reduction and mitigation. Her work involves collaborating with partner agencies and organizations to prevent unnecessary 911 calls, address service gaps, and ensure community members have access to the right resources at the right time. Kim’s breadth of experience brings a much-needed and valued perspective to Solutions Council.
Kim and the first responders at TVF&R work closely with the County and community partners to provide compassionate care to unsheltered community members and help them access lasting support and solutions. This often involves collaboration with our law enforcement partners, who help assess available options and coordinate transportation.
“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,” Kim says, “Our houseless community members who resort to 911 for help often simply need basic support that our outreach partners are equipped to provide. Rather than send folks to already overburdened hospitals, we strive to connect them with the right care and services.”
She adds further that the expansion of large shelters, hotel voucher programs, day centers, and other outreach services helps bring people off the streets and out of the elements. When individuals have access to shelter and their basic needs are met, it reduces the risk of illness, injury, substance use, and worsening health conditions. The wraparound support offered through shelters and day centers provides stability and guidance, helping people along their journey. This stability also decreases the likelihood of individuals entering the 911 system – whether medically or criminally – by addressing needs before they become emergencies.
Having worked in this high-stress field for over a decade, Kim still finds moments of deep joy. Several years ago, she recounts visiting a homeless encampment with Washington County staff ahead of a significant heat wave. Concerned about fire risk, they spoke with people staying at the camp about the dangers of cooking or warming fires. As they walked through the camp, an individual approached to share that, after nearly two decades on the streets, he had finally accepted a housing voucher from Project Homeless Connect.
“It was an unforgettable moment,” Kim says, “We were able to celebrate with him, which clearly lifted his spirits. In our line of work, 911 calls often require us to move quickly with little time to connect, so having the chance to pause, engage, and witness the system making a difference was truly powerful.”