DHS prevents homelessness wherever possible and provides short-term emergency shelter and re-housing support when needed.

As Commissioner, Mr. Diamond will continue to direct the City's efforts to prevent homelessness, and provide short-term emergency shelter and re-housing support for New Yorkers who need it.  He will also look to further enhance support systems for shelter clients who are working, and assist them in making the transition out of shelter to self sufficiency. Commissioner Diamond succeeds Robert Hess who told the Mayor last month he would be accepting a position with The Doe Fund.

Linda I. Gibbs is the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. As Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Gibbs oversees the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Human Resources Administration, Administration for Children's Services, Department of Homeless Services, Department for the Aging, Health and Hospitals Corporation, Department of Correction, Department of Probation, Department of Juvenile Justice, Office of Health Insurance Access, and the HIV Health and Human Services Planning Council.

Gibbs oversees the Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene, Human Resources Administration, Administration for Children's Services, Homeless Services, Aging, Health and Hospitals Corporation, Correction, Probation, Juvenile Justice, Office of Health Insurance Access, and the HIV Health and Human Services Planning Council.

Seth Diamond was named Commissioner of the Department of Homeless Services on April 19, 2010.