City of Oakland California

The Department of Human Services builds strong communities by enriching the quality of life for individuals and families in Oakland.

We value diverse views and engage in open communication with our community partners. These communications are collaborative and creative, resulting in services that address the changing and emerging needs of the community.

We look forward to hearing from you so we can better serve Oakland residents.

Download the 2009 Department of Human Services Annual Report.

• Free Food Distribution for low income families and seniors on Friday, June 21, 2013 at various locations citywide.
• Measure Y’s Violence Prevention Programs has been renamed Oakland Unite, with the tagline 1 City, 1 Peace, 1 Future.  As a supporter of Measure Y, you may be asking -- why change now? Measure Y was the name of the initial legislation, and was really a place-holder for the Violence Prevention Programs name. What we do and the vision that unifies the work is what the new name and tagline communicates.  Oakland Unite – 1 City, 1 Peace, 1 Future is a fitting name because it expresses collaboration among many people and agencies toward one vision – a healthy future for Oakland with less violence.
• There's something for everyone in our Senior Center Newsletter -events through May 2013
• If you have ever been to an Oakland Senior Center, take the survey now so we can make the Centers even better!
• MediCal Facts for Seniors -- what you need to know.
• Taxi Up and Go program is now accepting applications.
• Help create better learning environments for our children. Be a Literacy Coach! 

Our Early Childhood and Family Services division provides early childhood development and education, family support and young children’s readiness for school through teamwork with parents, staff and community partners. A holistic approach integrates health, nutrition, early literacy, parenting education, adult literacy and mental health service for low-income children and their families.

The Children & Youth Services division develops and supports services that promote the safety, health and enrichment of children and youth. Collaborations with schools, nonprofits, and other public agencies result in new resources and expanded services.

Aging and Adult Services division provides programs for seniors, as well as for adults and persons with disabilities and their families. All programs share the goals of maximizing self-sufficiency, safety, health, active living and independence. Community partners enrich a wide range of services that include care management, employment, training, volunteer opportunities, recreation and transportation assistance.

Community Housing Services recognizes the tremendous need for supports specific to the homeless population. We partner with nonprofits to assist people who are homeless and near-homeless with housing and additional essential services.

Policy and Planning provides research, development and planning within the Department, and incubates new programs based on best practices in order to fill gaps in the City's service continuum. It is the source for demographic and needs assessment data, evaluation and fund development.