The mission of the Department of Homeless Services is to overcome homelessness in New York City.

DHS prevents homelessness wherever possible and provides short-term emergency shelter and re-housing support whenever needed. These goals are best achieved through partnerships with those we serve, public agencies, and the business and non-profit communities.

Description and/or History:
The Department of Homeless Services was established in 1993 and made an independent Mayoral agency in 1999. Since its inception, the work of DHS and its nonprofit partners has primarily focused on providing safe shelter, outreach services and, over the last few years, helping individuals and families transition to permanent housing.

All of these areas continue to be central to the agency's day-to-day work. In June 2004, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg released Uniting for Solutions Beyond Shelter, the City's plan to reduce chronic homelessness. This ambitious plan requires DHS to place greater emphasis on interventions that solve rather than just manage homelessness. These interventions include prevention services, rental assistance, and supportive housing, to name a few.

The action plan also acknowledges that DHS cannot solve homelessness alone. The agency is committed to continuing to build strong partnerships with our clients, various public agencies, and the non-profit and business communities.

Contact people:

HOPE Street Survey Team, (212) 607-5366, (email) DHS Main Line, (212) 361-8000

Address:

33 Beaver Street New York, NY 10004 (See a map)