History

More than twenty years ago, Allegheny County embarked on an ambitious plan to revolutionize the way human services are delivered to the people of Allegheny County. It created the Department of Human Services (DHS). Working together, government, foundation, business and social services leaders set out to change a disjointed system and create a new approach to implementing programs and caring for those in need.

This video chronicles the founding and history of the DHS as well as our ongoing efforts to improve every day. You’ll meet some of those in our community who remember the early challenges and some of those whose lives have been positively impacted by DHS services.

Since 1997, DHS has been responsible for providing and administering publicly funded human services to Allegheny County residents. DHS remains dedicated to meeting these human services needs, most particularly for the county's most vulnerable populations, through an extensive range of information exchange, prevention, early intervention, case management, crisis intervention and after-care services.

DHS provides a wide range of services, including services for older adults; mental health and drug and alcohol services (includes 24-hour crisis counseling); child protective services; at-risk child development and education; hunger services; emergency shelters and housing for the homeless; non-emergency medical transportation and services for individuals with a diagnosis of intellectual disability.

DHS - A History Perspective