2024-25 Performance Oversight Testimony: Department of Human Services

Policy Attorney Makenna Osborn testified before the District of Columbia Council at the performance oversight hearing for the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Our testimony assesses DHS’s administration of three forms of rental assistance available to families. This includes temporary assistance; how Rapid Re-Housing (also known as the Family Re-Housing Stabilization Program) fails to help most participating families. Second, long-term assistance, and areas where DHS made
progress and areas where DHS should target further improvements. Lastly, on one-time assistance, and how administrative delays in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) are preventing tenants and housing providers from accessing funding to keep families housed and landlords financially solvent.