The mission of the District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS), in collaboration with the community, is to assist low-income individuals and families to maximize their potential for economic security and self-sufficiency.

Summary of Services
The operating services provided by the Department Human Services (DHS) include Family Services, which provides social services, case management, and crisis intervention services to meet the needs of vulnerable adults and families with children; Homeless Services, which offers a continuum of services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness so that they can obtain or maintain improved housing; Economic Security (formerly Income Maintenance), which assists low-income individuals and families obtain benefits, address barriers to work, and achieve economic self-sufficiency; and Eligibility Determination, which determines eligibility for those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medical Assistance, SNAP (or Food Stamps), and Child Care Subsidy.