Council committee holds roundtable on Rachel Pierre’s nomination to lead DHS
October 09, 2025 | Committee of Human Service, Committees, Legislative, District of Columbia
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The Committee on Human Services held a public roundtable Thursday to consider Resolution PR20-6303, which would confirm Mayor Bowser's nomination of Rachel Pierre as director of the District Department of Human Services (DHS). Chairperson Matt Fruman opened the hearing by describing Pierre's role as acting director and outlining the agency's mission to administer benefits, homelessness services and other safety-net programs.
Dozens of nonprofit and provider leaders testified in support of Pierre's confirmation, citing her combination of front-line social work experience and administrative training. Chapman Todd, who runs a long-standing homelessness services organization, said he spoke "in strong support" of the nomination and praised Pierre's provider background. Christy Respis of Pathways to Housing DC called Pierre "the right person for this job," citing her operational skill during the pandemic. Mayor Bowser's director of housing partnerships, Adam Mayer, told the committee Pierre "speaks the truth to power" and urged prompt confirmation.
Committee members used the roundtable to probe program performance and operational priorities: lease-up timing for permanent housing vouchers, shelter capacity during hypothermia season, SNAP work requirements and agency culture were discussed at length. Pierre described priorities she would pursue as director if confirmed: accelerating lease-ups, expanding prevention programs such as Project Reconnect and DC Flex, strengthening youth programs and developing an in-house workforce unit to connect residents to jobs.
Public witnesses also raised operational problems they asked DHS to fix. Volunteers running an ID assistance ministry described a bottleneck in issuance of the "social service proof of residency" form that many clients need to obtain state identification; multiple speakers urged DHS to expand the list of authorized agencies that may complete the form. Provider witnesses said transparency and regular meetings with DHS leadership have improved and urged continuation of that engagement.
The committee did not take a vote at the roundtable. Chairperson Fruman closed the session after a lengthy question-and-answer period with Director Pierre and said members would continue oversight through regular check-ins and budget processes.
Dozens of nonprofit and provider leaders testified in support of Pierre's confirmation, citing her combination of front-line social work experience and administrative training. Chapman Todd, who runs a long-standing homelessness services organization, said he spoke "in strong support" of the nomination and praised Pierre's provider background. Christy Respis of Pathways to Housing DC called Pierre "the right person for this job," citing her operational skill during the pandemic. Mayor Bowser's director of housing partnerships, Adam Mayer, told the committee Pierre "speaks the truth to power" and urged prompt confirmation.
Committee members used the roundtable to probe program performance and operational priorities: lease-up timing for permanent housing vouchers, shelter capacity during hypothermia season, SNAP work requirements and agency culture were discussed at length. Pierre described priorities she would pursue as director if confirmed: accelerating lease-ups, expanding prevention programs such as Project Reconnect and DC Flex, strengthening youth programs and developing an in-house workforce unit to connect residents to jobs.
Public witnesses also raised operational problems they asked DHS to fix. Volunteers running an ID assistance ministry described a bottleneck in issuance of the "social service proof of residency" form that many clients need to obtain state identification; multiple speakers urged DHS to expand the list of authorized agencies that may complete the form. Provider witnesses said transparency and regular meetings with DHS leadership have improved and urged continuation of that engagement.
The committee did not take a vote at the roundtable. Chairperson Fruman closed the session after a lengthy question-and-answer period with Director Pierre and said members would continue oversight through regular check-ins and budget processes.
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