The mission of the District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS) is to empower every District resident to reach their full potential by providing meaningful connections to work opportunities, economic assistance, and supportive services. 

Summary of Services

The mission of DHS is achieved via the following agency programs:

Agenncy Management/Office of the Director: provides executive management, policy direction, strategic and financial planning, human capital management, information technology, capital programs, legislative and community relations, and performance management. The Office of Program Review, Monitoring, and Investigation includes agency risk management, fraud investigation, homeless shelter monitoring, and a quality control division.

Economic Security Administration (ESA): determines and maintains eligibility for cash, food, childcare, and medical benefits. ESA also, through a Two Generational approach, administers the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training programs, which provide employment and training-related activities designed to improve long-term employability and achieve sustainable income. 

Family Services Administration (FSA): provides an array of social services and supports for District residents to solve crises, strengthen families, and connect residents to resources and programs to improvetheir well-being. FSA manages a system of care to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring; administers a system of services and supports for youth who are at-risk of court involvement, school disengagement, homelessness, and repeat teen pregnancy; and provides crisis-intervention services for families and refugees.