Human Services Commission

The Human Services Commission provides oversight of the Department of Benefits and Family Support, formerly known as the Department of Human Services, by approving the goals and objectives as reflected in the annual budget. The Department of Human Services plans and administers a variety of federal, state, and local programs that are designed to meet basic human needs and to ensure protection of our most vulnerable citizens. The department provides supportive services to families, children, and single adults. For more information, review the Human Services Commission's full Statement of Purpose and Statement of Incompatible Activities.

The Commission holds a public meeting each month to carry out its duties. Meetings are typically held every fourth Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Ronald H. Born Auditorium at 170 Otis Street. November and December meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month. Members of the public are invited to observe the meeting and provide public comment in person or remotely. Remote access to meetings for the public is available in two formats: online via Zoom or by using a phone and accessing a conference call line. The Zoom link and conferencing phone number can be found in each meeting agenda. Please see the list of meeting dates for 2023.

Our Commissioners

The Human Services Commission consists of five members appointed by the Mayor for overlapping four-year terms. The Commission members formulate, evaluate, and approve goals, objectives, and plans.  The Commission also sets policies consistent with the overall objectives of the City.

Scott Kahn - President
James McCray, Jr. - Vice President
Sally Coghlan McDonald
Rita Semel 
Darshan Singh

Meetings

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

For earlier Commission documents, please contact the Commission Secretary, at (415) 557-6540.

Additional Information

Disability Access

  • The Commission's meeting room, the Ronald H. Born Auditorium, is located on the first floor at 170 Otis Street and has accessible seating for persons with disabilities.  
  • Commission meetings can be accessed remotely via Zoom (online) or phone (conference line). Remote access details, including the Zoom link and conference line phone number and access code, are listed in each agenda.
  • The closest accessible BART Station is at 16th and Mission Streets. Accessible MUNI Lines are the 14-Mission, 49-Mission/Van Ness, and 9-San Bruno.  All the MUNI Metro Lines are accessible.
  •  Accessible curb-side parking has been designated at points on the 100 block of Otis Street.
  • In order to assist the City's efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical-based products. Please help the City accommodate these individuals.
  • To obtain a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids, sign language interpreters, hybrid meeting attendance assistance or other services, please contact the Commission Secretary at (415) 557-6540 at least two business days before the meeting to help ensure availability. 

Translation Services

  • Interpreters for languages other than English are available on request. Please contact the Commission office at (415) 557-6540 at least two business days before a meeting.

Ramaytush Ohlone Land Acknowledgement

The San Francisco Human Services Commission acknowledges that we are on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone who are the original inhabitants of the San Francisco Peninsula. As the indigenous stewards of this land and in accordance with their traditions, the Ramaytush Ohlone have never ceded, lost, nor forgotten their responsibilities as the as the caretakers of this place, as well as for all peoples who reside in their traditional territory. As guests, we recognize that we benefit from living and working on their traditional homeland. We wish to pay our respects by acknowledging the Ancestors, Elders, and Relatives of the Ramaytush Ohlone community and by affirming their sovereign rights as First Peoples.

Commissioner Required Training

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