DC Department of Human Services

DC, we've activated the first Heat Alert of the season for today (5/18). 1. Temps expected to reach 96°F 2. High temps also expected Tuesday (5/19) and Wednesday (5/20) Free, accessible transportation to a low-barrier shelter or day center: (202) 399-7093 or 311

First Heat Alert of the season today. High temperatures are also expected on Tue and Wed. If you are concerned about neighbors experiencing homelessness, or to access free, accessible transportation to a shelter or day center, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or 311.

A heatwave is forecasted to affect the District through Thursday, May 21, with highs near 95° F. Prepare for consistent heat as summer approaches: - Know your nearest cooling center - Review your household emergency plans - Check on neighbors and pets - Never leave kids or pets alone in parked cars Visit heat.dc.gov for more.

ATTN: NONPROFIT, GOV'T & FAITH-BASED ORGS  We’re looking for community partners to serve as host sites for our SNAP Volunteer Program.  Join an info session: bit.ly/snapvolunteeri…  Submit an application: bit.ly/snapvolunteerh…  Learn more: bit.ly/snapvolunteerp…

ATTN: SNAP CUSTOMERS SNAP ABAWD work requirements implementation starts on June 1. Wondering if these new requirements apply to you? Follow the link to use our pre-screener tool to find out if you may need to meet the new work requirements. ➡️ bit.ly/4ws9kQK

Youth opportunity! We know many DC young people take up babysitting gigs—especially during the summer months—and we want them to have everything they need to succeed. Help spread the word: @dcfireems is hosting a free Babysitting and Child Safety Training for youth ages 12-17.

It's officially FREE veggie giveaway season in Washington, DC! Last year, we gave away 13,000 pounds of produce to hundreds of DC residents—and we're excited to do it again, now through November at select DPR Communal Farms.

In today's inaugural issue of Director's Corner, DHS Director Pierre discusses the 2026 Point-In-Time (PIT) Count and why this year's increase in families counted signals progress, not failure. Read more: tinyurl.com/DHSDirectorsCo… Mayor's Release: mayor.dc.gov/release/2026-p…

Today, we're celebrating all of our city's mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures—for inspiring the next generation, leading our city forward, and making DC the best city in the world. Happy Mother's Day, DC!

We're opening the newly renovated Cobb Park today! Residents of all ages are invited to join us for the celebration. Invite your family, rely on Metro, and head to Spring Fest 2026—there will be local artists, sidewalk chalk art, face painting, games, delicious food, and more.

It's Mental Health Awareness Month in Washington, DC. An important time to remember the confidential, 24/7 mental health resources available: 📲988 for a suicidal crisis 📞1-888-793-4357 for the Mental Health Hotline

The District has struggled to get a handle on truancy, so I’m glad to see the latest report on @DCHumanServ’s truancy pilot program is showing positive trends. I asked questions about the pilot at today’s budget hearing for the agency 👇🏾 Read the report 👉🏾 dhs.dc.gov/sites/default/…

Watch live now Budget Oversight Hearing - Department of Human Services (Government Witnesses) lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/heari…

A pilot program in Washington, D.C., is showing promising results in tackling student absenteeism. A new report shows truancy among participating students in the Truancy Reduction Pilot Program has dropped by 71%. MORE: bit.ly/4tkWFfM

We're giving away FREE vegetables in Washington, DC. Starting in just one week at select DPR Communal Farms.

Happy Cinco de Mayo, DC! No matter how you're celebrating today, make a plan to get home safely—on Metro, with a trusted friend, or with rideshare using a $15 Lyft code. Find the free code: soberride.com

Promising new data from District's Truancy Pilot Program: 71% reduction in truancy. With the Truancy Reduction Programs Amendment Act, we're proposing to expand the model citywide—taking what works, scaling it up, and making every day count.

71% of students are back on track thanks to @DCHumanServ's Truancy Reduction Pilot, which replaces court referrals with early support for students and families. Scaling citywide is next thanks to proposed legislation from @MayorBowser. Read more: mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-…

The DC Public Library is excited to partner with the JICC to provide a series of fun and informative family events in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month! bit.ly/3Qr2sme

AlertDC provides real-time local updates, including utility outages, traffic disruptions, school and government closures, major events, and emergency alerts. One sign up. Many useful updates. Enroll: alert.dc.gov