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Department of Human Services

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Mayor Bowser Orders Closure of Non-Essential Businesses

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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.

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

Hypothermia/Hyperthermia Alerts

The District is committed to protecting residents experiencing homelessness from hypothermia and other extreme cold and hot weather injuries.

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.

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Application for ESA Benefits

Apply or be recertified for TANF, SNAP or Medical assistance offered by DHS.

DHS Modified Operations During COVID-19

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

Service Centers

Get locations and view online map of Economic Security Administration (ESA) Service Centers.

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...

Child Care assistance

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

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Latest

Feb 21 2020

Mayor Bowser Cuts Ribbon on The Aya, Ward 6’s Short-Term Family Housing Program

The Aya Short-Term Family Housing site in Ward 6 is the latest of the eight sites opening in...

Jan 22 2020

Mayor Bowser Participates in 2020 Point in Time Count, Connects Residents with Homeless Services

Mayor Bowser Joins Volunteers at Annual Census of Persons Experiencing Homelessness to Raise...

Jan 21 2020

Mayor Bowser to Participate in Annual Point in Time Count and Raise Awareness about the District’s Homeless Services

(Washington, DC) – On Wednesday, January 22, at 9 pm, Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with volunteers,...

Dec 18 2019

Mayor Bowser to Activate the District’s Cold Emergency Plan

First Cold Emergency Plan of the Season is Activated, Guarantees Shelter Beds for Individuals in...

Dec 11 2019

Mayor Bowser Celebrates DC Family of Six Receiving Stable Housing Through Annual “A Home for the Holidays” Campaign

Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated the Gonzalez family as they moved into their permanent home as part...

Mar 19 2018

February 2018 DHS Newsletter

February 2018 Newsletter

Jan 29 2018

January 2018 DHS Newsletter

January 2018 Newsletter

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,...

Oct 1 2015

View Job Announcements

View Job Announcement available at Careers.dc.gov

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]

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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.