Kiara Payne
Associate Director, Housing for Health (Housing + Services) | Los Angeles, California
Professional Overview
Kiara Payne is an experienced housing and homeless services professional with a demonstrated track record of driving positive impact in the non-profit and public sectors. As the Associate Director of Housing for Health (Housing + Services) at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, she oversees the development and implementation of innovative housing solutions that integrate comprehensive services to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Associate Director of Housing for Health (Housing + Services), Kiara is responsible for leading a team that manages permanent supportive housing programs, rapid re-housing initiatives, and specialized housing interventions. She works closely with government agencies, community partners, and service providers to coordinate a continuum of housing and wraparound services that address the complex needs of the homeless population. Kiara has been instrumental in securing funding, fostering cross-sector collaborations, and implementing data-driven strategies to improve housing stability and overall well-being for her clients.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Kiara served as the Associate Director of Permanent Housing at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, where she oversaw the expansion and enhancement of permanent supportive housing programs across the county. She has also held leadership positions at Upward Bound House and Ascencia, where she directed a range of programs and services focused on homelessness prevention, rapid re-housing, and supportive housing. Kiara's earlier experience includes roles as a Resident Services Coordinator, Counselor, and Aging Services Coordinator, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of the housing and social services landscape.
Academic Background
Kiara holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she graduated with honors. Her academic pursuits have been complemented by her participation in the prestigious Lead LA 6 Cohort program at Coro Southern California, which focused on developing leadership skills and fostering collaborative solutions to complex community challenges.
Areas of Expertise
- Homeless services program management and implementation
- Permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing strategies
- Integrated service delivery and case management
- Collaborative partnership development with government, non-profit, and private stakeholders
- Data analysis and performance management to drive continuous improvement
- Strategic planning and organizational leadership
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Kiara has demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing homelessness and improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. She has spearheaded initiatives that have expanded access to affordable housing, enhanced the coordination of supportive services, and fostered cross-sector collaboration to tackle the multifaceted challenges of homelessness. Kiara's leadership and expertise have been recognized by her peers, and she continues to be a driving force in the effort to create more equitable and sustainable housing solutions in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Kiara Payne is a seasoned housing and homeless services professional with a proven ability to develop and implement effective, data-driven strategies that address the complex needs of the homeless population. Her extensive experience, collaborative approach, and demonstrated impact position her as a valuable asset in the continued effort to create more inclusive and supportive communities in Los Angeles and beyond.
