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Nomination of Rachel Pierre for permanent DHS director placed on consent agenda after committee Q&A
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Summary
The Committee of the Whole reported PR26-303 confirming acting DHS Director Rachel Pierre and placed it on the consent agenda after committee members questioned her record on SNAP continuity, rapid rehousing, ERAP access and work-requirements, and after the committee chair summarized unanimous committee support.
Council member Matt Fruman introduced PR26-303, the resolution to confirm acting Director Rachel Pierre as permanent director of the District's Department of Human Services. Fruman described Pierre's background—a master of social work from Howard University, an MBA from the University of Maryland, prior child welfare and nonprofit leadership roles, and five years leading DHS’s Family Services Administration—and said the human services committee advanced the nomination with unanimous support.
Several council members asked questions about operational priorities. Council member Pinto asked whether Pierre had a plan to address potential federal actions affecting people experiencing homelessness and to move residents indoors safely and sustainably; Fruman said Pierre has shown nimbleness in prior encampment responses, opened shelter capacity and worked with residents and providers during earlier clearings. "She has the capacity to act quickly," Fruman said.
Members also pressed on SNAP continuity during recent federal funding uncertainty. Fruman credited Pierre and agency staff with ensuring there was no interruption in SNAP benefits during those events. Questions about voucher leasing and rapid rehousing focused on lengthy inspection and placement timeframes; Fruman said the agencies have brought in a consultant to improve the pipeline and that DCHA and DHS are collaborating.
Council member Parker praised the nominee’s confirmation hearing but flagged youth outreach and the need for plans to meet federal SNAP work requirements; Fruman acknowledged work remains and called implementation a high priority. Council member Louis George asked how DHS will ensure families exiting rapid rehousing receive supports to avoid reentry; Fruman pointed to expanded programs, targeted voucher use and in-person ERAP interviews designed to better match residents with appropriate resources.
Committee staff and counsel confirmed the measure was legally and technically sufficient for consideration, and because PR26-303 is an appointment resolution, a fiscal impact statement was not required. Without objection, the committee placed PR26-303 on the consent agenda for the council's legislative meeting later that day.
Next steps: The nomination will appear on the council’s consent agenda; if not pulled it can be confirmed at the legislative meeting.
