Response to Office of the Controller’s Performance Audit Announcement

(PITTSBURGH) - The following is a statement from Allegheny County Department of Human Services Director, Erin Dalton, on the Office of the Controller's announcement to conduct a performance audit of the Department's Homeless Assistance Programs.

“DHS looks forward to working with the Office of the Controller on the performance audit to evaluate procedures surrounding monitoring and evaluating the Homeless Assistance Programs (HAP). Initial media reports have stated that DHS receives $100M in funding for homeless services. This total is grossly misstated. DHS receives Homeless Assistance Program funding from the state through its Human Services Block Grant. During State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2022-23, DHS’s allocation of Homeless Assistance Program funding was less than $3M. Due to flexibility allowed within the Block Grant and in response to local need, DHS spent its full allocation of Homeless Assistance Program funding and spent a total of just over $13M from the Human Services Block Grant in an attempt to meet post-pandemic increases in need for homelessness services. We will grant full cooperation to the Office of the Controller and will make available any records, documents, or information in accordance with their request.”