VAN Initiatives

VAN uses the  LISTEN -- FOCUS -- ACT  process to track progression of ideas into action.

Each year we open our ears to “Listen” to a new set of community issues, “Focus” on those which are most pressing or which present opportunities for success, and in collaboration with other, plan and implement “Action” to achieve change.  Success for the VAN is continuing to move projects through these steps toward solutions that are implemented in the community by partner agencies.

VAN’s current initiatives are in various stages of this process and are listed below.  For more detailed information about any given initiative click on the initiative title in the menu bar to the right.

LISTEN

Affordable Housing

Community data indicates that the number of homeless individuals in Washington County has steadily increased in the past several years [Oregon Progress Board], that housing costs in the region have increased 57% since 2000 [United Way of the Columbia-Willamette], and that the proportion of Washington County’s low-income renters who are cost-burdened by their housing has increased in the last decade [Oregon Progress Board].  Affordable housing and homelessness are growing concerns in Washington County.  VAN has been working to address these concerns since its inception in 2002 when it facilitated the creation of the Community Housing Fund.  More recently, the VAN has worked to address the issue of affordable housing through its Economic Security Initiative (see below).

Economic Security

In spite of the fact that Washington County has one of the highest per capita income rates in the state, the proportion of people living in poverty has increased and is growing at a faster rate than in other urban counties in Oregon [Washington County Commission on Children & Families].  According to the Oregon Food Bank, almost half of households receiving emergency food have at least one working member and over a third of those receiving emergency food are children.  The VAN has brought together numerous community partners over the past five years to address the issue of economic security.  Projects have included two Economic Livability for All Summits for business leaders, as well as an Employer Resource Guide that is updated annually and provides resources on a variety of needs from housing to transportation to educational opportunities.  To continue addressing this issue, the VAN is convening a Steering Committee of key stakeholders in who, through a facilitated planning process, are working to identify current needs and potential strategies as part of a comprehensive plan for economic security in Washington County. 

2008-2009 Employer Resource Guide (pdf)

FOCUS

Philanthropy Study

Washington County’s philanthropic infrastructures are changing to meet the needs that come with community growth. Yet many county residents are unaware of the many philanthropic opportunities in our community. Many local charities struggle to attract donors and volunteers even though Washington County has Oregon’s highest per capita income.

With grants from Meyer Memorial Trust and Oregon Community Foundation, and with contributions from community partners (Community Action, Community Housing Fund, Hillsboro Community Foundation, Oregon Food Bank, Providence, SOLV, Tuality, and United Way), VAN initiated a study to assess local philanthropic needs and trends.  The results of the study will be available in Fall 2008.

Sustainability Study

"Sustainability means using, developing and protecting resources at a rate and in a manner that enables people to meet their current needs and also provides that future generations can meet their own needs. Sustainability requires simultaneously meeting environmental, economic and community needs." (From the State of Oregon’s Sustainability Act.)

In January 2007, VAN convened an Intel-sponsored community summit on the topic of sustainability.  A key recommendation from the summit was the creation of a county-wide sustainability organization.  With support from its partners (Tualatin Valley Water District, Clean Water Services, Metro, Washington County, and the cities of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, and Tualatin), VAN conducted a feasibility study to examine the possibility of creating such an organization.  Based on the study’s recommendations a new intergovernmental organization, “Partners for a Sustainable Washington County Community” is in the early stages of development.

ACT

I Give Where I Live

Realizing that Washington County residents have few tools for discovering giving opportunities, in 2005 VAN created “I Give Where I Live”, a web-based public information campaign designed to connect local donors and volunteers to Washington County charities.

Human Rights Council

Over the past decade, Washington County has seen unprecedented growth and change – both in population and diversity.  The Human Rights Council of Washington County is the result of two years’ work by the VAN and its community partners to respond to the needs of our increasingly diverse community.  The mission of the Human Rights Council of Washington County is to promote respect and dignity of all by supporting a community where every person is valued, and equity and diversity are embraced.

Inter-Religious Action Network

The Inter-religious Action Network (IAN) of Washington County was formed in 2001 under the auspices of the VAN and remains as a thriving, independent program of the VAN.  The IAN invites people from all faith communities to come together to build respect for our diversity and to provide leadership for the improvement of life in Washington County.

Walk for Unity

The Walk For Unity is a annual walk organized by the Vision Action Network and its community partners that celebrates the wonderful diversity of our Washington County community.  Last year’s event drew several hundred people.  The purpose of the Walk for Unity is to promote a better sense of understanding, acceptance and respect among members of the Washington County communities.  It is a family-friendly event that includes speeches by our community’s leadership, musical performances and a informational fair. 

Sustainability Network

The Sustainability Network of Washington County grew out of the 2007 Sustainability Summit convened by the VAN.  It is an informal network people who are interested in sustainability issues.  It is designed to serve as a forum for information sharing and support.

Philanthropy

Washington County’s philanthropic infrastructures are changing to meet the needs that come with community growth. Yet many county residents are unaware of the many philanthropic opportunities in our community. Many local charities struggle to attract donors and volunteers even though Washington County has Oregon’s highest per capita income.

With grants from Meyer Memorial Trust and Oregon Community Foundation, and with contributions from community partners (Community Action, Community Housing Fund, Hillsboro Community Foundation, Oregon Food Bank, Providence, SOLV, Tuality, and United Way), VAN initiated a study to assess local philanthropic needs and trends.  The results of the study were released in Fall 2008.  Since its release, Van and the study’s Advisory Team are working to implement the recommendations that arose from the study.

Project Homeless Connect

Washington County Project Homeless Connect is a one-stop event that provides a variety of services and hospitality directly to people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.  In addition, Project Homeless Connect and the Key Leaders Briefing are designed to bring awareness to the issue of homelessness in Washington County.  Project Homeless Connect is a partnership between the Vision Action Network, the Good Neighbor Center, Washington County, Hands on Greater Portland, Sonrise Church and numerous other community organizations.