Accessing Support: The District Of Columbia Department Of Human Services

Mrs. Stephanie Dibbert 14 Jul 2025

The District of Columbia Department of Human Services, often called DHS, plays a truly central role in helping residents across Washington, DC. This important agency works to provide support and resources for people who need them most, so you see, it's about building up the community. They offer a wide array of programs, designed to give individuals and families a chance to improve their lives, which is a very good thing.

For many people in the District, DHS is a key place for getting necessary assistance, like help with food or finding a place to stay. They are, in a way, a lifeline for those facing tough times, offering a helping hand when it's really needed. Their work touches many aspects of daily life, making a significant impact on the well-being of countless individuals, and that's pretty remarkable.

Knowing about the services DHS provides and how to access them can make a big difference for you or someone you care about. This article will look at the various ways the District of Columbia Department of Human Services supports the community, including how to get benefits and find help, which is something many people need to know about these days.

Understanding the Mission of DHS
Your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card: A Key Tool
Finding the Main Office: DHS Headquarters
Getting Help with Homeless Services
- The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center
The District of Columbia Benefits Portal
- Applying for SNAP
- TANF/Cash Assistance
- Medical Benefits
Broader Programs and Services
Leadership at DHS: Laura Green Zeilinger
DHS Service Center Locations
Frequently Asked Questions About DHS
Getting Connected with DHS

Understanding the Mission of DHS

The core purpose of the District of Columbia Department of Human Services is, quite simply, to empower every resident in the District to reach their full capabilities. This means giving people the services, support, and access to resources they need to truly succeed, which is a big task, you know.

Their aim is to provide services that are both meaningful and fair, making sure everyone has a real chance to improve their situation. It's about helping people realize their personal potential, which is a very important goal for any community. This dedication helps build a stronger, more supportive city for everyone, and that's something we can all appreciate.

Your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card: A Key Tool

For many residents receiving assistance, the electronic benefits transfer, or EBT card, is the main way to access their benefits. It's a bit like a debit card for your support funds, so it's really quite important.

Keeping this card safe is a very big deal, as it allows you to get the help you need for things like food or other essential items. You should treat it with care, just like you would any other important financial card, and that's pretty clear.

DHS suggests keeping up to date by following them on social media for important information, which is a good idea. This can help you stay informed about any changes or updates related to your EBT card or other services, so you're always in the know.

Finding the Main Office: DHS Headquarters

The main location for the Department of Human Services headquarters is at 64 New York Avenue, NE, on the 6th floor, right here in Washington DC 20002. This is the central spot for many administrative functions, and it's a very busy place.

If you plan to visit, their office hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM. Knowing these times helps you plan your visit effectively, which is always helpful, you know. You can also reach them by phone for general inquiries, which is often a good first step.

Getting Help with Homeless Services

One of the vital roles of DHS is overseeing the homeless services program, which provides support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia. This program is truly a lifeline for many, so it's really quite significant.

They work to provide resources and services aimed at helping people find stable housing and get back on their feet. This includes a range of assistance, from immediate shelter to longer-term support, and that's a lot of help for people in need.

The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center

If you find yourself in need of homeless services, the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center, or VWFRC, is the central point for families seeking help in the District of Columbia. It's the first place to go for many, so it's very important to know about.

The VWFRC is located at 33 N Street NE. This center serves as the main intake point, where families can begin the process of getting support and resources, which is a really helpful system. They work to connect people with the right programs and assistance, which is a good thing for families experiencing tough times.

The District of Columbia Benefits Portal

The District of Columbia benefits portal is a very helpful online resource for residents looking to apply for various types of assistance. It's a convenient way to start the process from your own home, so it's quite a modern approach.

On this portal, you can apply for SNAP, TANF/cash assistance, and medical benefits. You can also learn more about all the benefits offered, which is pretty comprehensive. It's designed to make accessing these important programs easier for everyone, and that's a big step forward.

Applying for SNAP

For those needing food assistance, the benefits portal allows you to apply for SNAP, which stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This program helps eligible individuals and families buy healthy food, so it's very important for daily life.

The application process can also involve mailing your application to the Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration, Case Record Management Unit P.O. Box. This gives people options for how they submit their information, which is a good thing, actually.

TANF/Cash Assistance

The portal also handles applications for TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which provides cash assistance to families with children. This support can help cover basic needs during difficult periods, and it's quite a critical program for many families.

Understanding the requirements for TANF is part of the application process, and the portal provides information to guide you. It's about giving families a temporary boost when they need it most, which is a very direct way to help people.

Medical Benefits

Accessing medical benefits is another key service available through the District of Columbia benefits portal. This helps ensure residents can get the health care they need, which is obviously very important for everyone's well-being.

The portal can link you to information about DC Health Link and other health care facilities, so you can find the right medical support. It's part of a broader effort to connect people with health and human services resources in the District, and that's a comprehensive approach.

Broader Programs and Services

Beyond specific benefits, the District of Columbia Department of Human Services offers a range of programs aimed at helping with social needs across Washington, DC. These programs are quite varied, covering many different areas of support.

For instance, they oversee programs like District of Columbia Supplemental benefits. The Deputy Mayor for Health & Human Services (DMHHS) website also provides information and links for various health and social service related programs, which is a helpful resource.

DHS also has powers and duties related to the Board of Children's Guardians, and they are successors of the trustees of the Industrial Home School of the District. This shows their long-standing commitment to child and family services, which is a very important part of their work.

Their Homeward DC 2.0 plan, for example, is part of a larger strategy to address homelessness. You can also search for social services using 211, which is a combined application for various benefits like TANF, SNAP, and medical assistance, so it's quite a connected system.

Leadership at DHS: Laura Green Zeilinger

Laura Green Zeilinger has been serving as the director of the DC Department of Human Services since January 2015. She plays a very important role in guiding the agency's operations and its mission.

Laura is responsible for leading DHS's 1,500 personnel and managing a budget of $933 million. This shows the significant scale of the department's work and the resources dedicated to helping District residents, which is quite a substantial effort.

Her leadership helps shape the direction of human services in the city, making sure programs are effective and responsive to the community's needs. It's a big job, to be honest, overseeing so many programs and people.

DHS Service Center Locations

To make services more accessible, the District of Columbia Department of Human Services maintains various service center locations throughout the city. These centers are important points of contact for residents, so it's good to know where they are.

The dataset contains locations and attributes of these DHS service centers, which were created as part of the DC government's efforts to provide localized support. Having these centers spread out helps people reach help more easily, which is a really thoughtful approach.

These service centers are places where you can often get in-person assistance, submit documents, or ask questions about your benefits. They serve as direct points of connection between the department and the people it serves, which is very helpful, actually.

Frequently Asked Questions About DHS

How can I apply for benefits like SNAP or TANF in the District of Columbia?

You can apply for benefits such as SNAP or TANF through the District of Columbia benefits portal online. This portal allows you to start your application digitally, which is quite convenient. Alternatively, you can mail a physical application to the Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration, Case Record Management Unit P.O. Box, so you have options, you know.

Where is the main office for the District of Columbia Department of Human Services located?

The main office for the Department of Human Services headquarters is located at 64 New York Avenue, NE, 6th floor, in Washington DC 20002. Their office hours are from 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM, Monday through Friday, which is pretty standard for government offices.

What should I do if I am experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia?

If you are a family experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia, the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC) is the central point of intake. It is located at 33 N Street NE, and it's the place to go to begin accessing homeless services, which is a very clear path to help.

Getting Connected with DHS

The District of Columbia Department of Human Services is, in essence, a pillar of support for countless residents. From managing EBT cards to overseeing homeless services and processing benefit applications, their work truly touches many lives, and that's a very big responsibility.

Understanding their mission to empower every resident and knowing how to access their various programs is a significant step for anyone seeking assistance. Whether it's through their online portal, their headquarters, or a local service center, help is available, which is a good thing to remember. You can learn more about DHS services on our site, and for official details, you might want to check the official DC government website, which is a very good place for comprehensive information. For more information about specific programs, you can also link to this page here.

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