dhs

Department of Human Services

coronavirus.dc.gov
Read Mayor Bowser’s Presentation on DC’s COVID-19 Situational Update: August 5.
DC Entered Phase Two of Reopening on June 22. View the Guidance.

Agency Home Responsive

DHS Modified Operations During COVID-19

To mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), Mayor Muriel Bowser has modified DC Government operations starting Monday, March 16, 2020. View DHS services and resources available during the COVID-19 emergency.

Responding to COVID-19 in Emergency Shelters

As part of the Bowser Administration’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, the District fundamentally transformed how it serves and supports residents experiencing homelessness.

District's Covid-19 Hotline & Web Portal

Residents that are homebound because of COVID-19 can request support from the District for food and other essential items.

Apply for Benefits

Download a new application to apply for cash, food or medical coverage benefits.

Public Charge Rule Frequently Asked Questions for DC Residents

Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, treatment, or preventive care will not be considered part of a public charge inadmissibility determination.

Receiving Your EBT Card

To mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), effective Monday, April 20, District residents will receive EBT cards through US mail.

Local Resources

To mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the District provides day programs and meal sites and places handwashing stations and mobile toilets at locations throughout the city.

Featured Services

DHS Modified Operations During COVID-19

See an overview of DHS services and resources available during modified DC Government operations...

Application for ESA Benefits

Apply or recertify for cash, food, and medicial benefits available in the District.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Owe back rent? Facing Eviction? Emergency Rental Assistance may be able to help.

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - formerly known as the "Food Stamps...

TANF

TANF provides cash assistance and work to needy District families with dependent children.

Child Care assistance

Assistance with child care fees is available and based on need, income and family size.

DHS Alerts

DHS Popular Links

Follow DHS on Twitter

Tweets by @DCHumanServ

Latest

Aug 13 2020

Mayor Bowser Announces Major Milestone in District’s Plan to End Homelessness

The District is ending its use of local hotels as emergency shelter for families.

Jul 19 2020

Due to Extreme Heat, District's Public Testing Sites and Grocery Sites to Close on Monday, July 20, Meal Sites Will Remain Open

Information about cooling centers open across DC can be found at heat.dc.gov.

Jun 18 2020

Mayor Bowser Announces New Programs to Support Rental Assistance and Housing Stability

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced new rental assistance and eviction...

Apr 28 2020

Mayor Bowser Opens The Brooks, Ward 3’s Short-Term Family Housing Program

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser opened The Brooks, the Short-Term Family Housing site...

Apr 7 2020

Many Households to Receive Temporary Increase in Existing SNAP Benefits in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

(Washington, DC) – Today, the Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that many District...

Jan 6 2017

District to Activate “Cold Emergency Plan” Tonight

City's Cold Emergency Plan - Friday, January 6, 2017

Jan 12 2016

District to Activate “Cold Emergency Plan” Tonight

WASHINGTON, DC - The Department of Human Services (DHS) in collaboration with the District of...

Jan 4 2016

District to Activate “Cold Emergency Plan” Tonight

WASHINGTON, DC - The Department of Human Services (DHS) in collaboration with the District of...

Dec 22 2015

Low-Barrier Emergency Shelters Will Open Early on Christmas Eve

The Department of Human Services (DHS) will open all low-barrier emergency shelters at 4:00 pm on...

Nov 22 2015

Hypothermia Alert will be “Activated” at 7PM Tonight

WASHINGTON, DC- An overnight hypothermia alert will be ACTIVATED at 7:00 pm. Sunday, November 22,...

211 Answers, Please!

Dial 211 to find local and national health and human services programs.
For inquiries regarding SNAP, TANF and Medicaid benefits, please call (202) 727-5355.

Department of Human Services

Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4:45 pm

Connect With Us
64 New York Avenue, NE, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 671-4200
Fax: (202) 671-4326
TTY: 711
Email: [email protected]

Ask the Director

Agency Performance

While the Federal Government Aims to Warehouse Children, Mayor Bowser Displays Model for Short-Term Family Housing

Date Released:

Wed, 08/21/2019

The opening of The Sterling continues the momentum toward making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in the District and replacing the DC General Family Shelter, which Mayor Bowser closed in 2018. Watch the ribbon cutting.