Celebrating and learning about those on the frontlines of public service is core to our mission at Roundtable. Roundtable's collaboration platform for government was informed by 300+ interviews with those on the frontlines of issues that impact all of us.
Meet Kay Brooks, a passionate policy and program analyst for Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). Kay brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her role in implementing the Governor’s Executive Order on homelessness. Drawing from her background in community organizing and her own experiences with housing instability, Kay is dedicated to creating systemic solutions to reduce homelessness in Oregon.
How did you get into this work?
My journey into this field was shaped by my own lived experiences. I experienced housing instability growing up and faced significant challenges in my early 20s. After having a child, I decided to go back to school, where I discovered a passion for sociology and social sciences. That’s when I began to volunteer and get deeply involved in community organizing, which eventually led me to housing and homelessness advocacy.
I grew tired of appealing to policymakers who didn’t seem to understand the complexities of homelessness. So, I decided to become a policymaker myself. I served in various roles in Medford City government including serving as a commissioner for housing, grants, budget, and transportation before running to be a city councilor for several years. When the opportunity to work on the Governor’s Executive Order at OHCS came up, I knew it was my calling.
What are your key priorities and responsibilities today?
As part of the team implementing the Governor’s Executive Order on homelessness, my role involves overseeing significant funding allocations aimed at tackling homelessness in Oregon. We’re launching several new initiatives, such as a state-specific housing voucher program similar to Section 8, and funding shelters, rehousing efforts, and eviction prevention programs.
Since the start of the year, we’ve funded around 1,500 shelter beds, prevented over 2,000 evictions, and moved 1,500 people from homelessness into permanent housing. It’s a unique position to be in, especially within the government sector, to have access to such substantial funding and resources to address homelessness on such a large scale.
Wow that’s quite an accomplishment! What keeps you motivated, especially when the going gets tough?
For me, it's all about resilience and keeping the bigger picture in mind. When things get tough or overwhelming, I try to focus on the positive impacts of social change and the wins we achieve, whether they’re big community wins or smaller victories from day-to-day work. Remembering that there are good things, good people, and meaningful progress being made keeps me going. I’m also deeply inspired by the dedication and creativity of those around me—my colleagues and peers in this field provide constant support and fresh perspectives, which are incredibly motivating.
How does Roundtable fit into your work?
Roundtable will be a game-changer in how we collaborate and learn from one another. It provides a platform for cross-agency communication, allowing us to connect with peers who are facing similar challenges in different contexts. This collective brain trust is invaluable because it lets us draw from a diverse pool of knowledge and experience. Just as a rising tide lifts all boats, having access to this network means we can share insights and resources that benefit everyone.
The beauty of Roundtable is that it brings together different perspectives — including local governments, community action agencies, direct service providers, community members, and more — to create an environment where everyone contributes and learns. By facilitating this exchange of ideas, Roundtable helps us avoid the pitfalls of working in silos and instead promotes a more collaborative and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. This is especially important in public service, where the challenges we face are interconnected and require multifaceted solutions.
Any advice for someone looking to follow in your footsteps?
Always be curious and open to learning. It’s important to be a lifelong learner, open to new ideas, and willing to admit when you’re wrong. Networking and reaching out to people in your field can also provide valuable insights and support. Working in homelessness and housing services can be incredibly challenging. It’s crucial to build collective power to wield collective power and to give yourself grace to avoid burnout. Remember, it’s exhausting work, so taking care of yourself is key to staying in the fight for the long haul.
How do you prevent burnout in such a demanding field?
I’ve learned to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. I take three-day weekends every week, working four 10-hour days. When I’m off, I try not to think about work. It’s also important to stay connected with your community and remember that you’re more than just your job or mission. This approach has helped me stay resilient in housing and homelessness services for over a decade.
