Begun in 1970 with the creation of the Housing Authority of Washington County, the effort continues today in the Department of Housing Services (DHS).  The Department of Housing Services was formed in 1992 to administer housing activities and programs of the County and the Housing Authority.

The mission of the Department of Housing Services is to provide affordable housing opportunities to help break the cycle of poverty and improve the quality of life in our community.

Working in partnership with both the non-profit and the private sector, the Department of Housing Services combines traditional housing programs with economic opportunity to encourage self sufficiency, skill enhancement and independence.

The DHS offers rental assistance to low income households through various federally funded programs, and also creates affordable housing opportunities in the community for low and moderate income households through a combination of creative financing and partnerships with public and private entities.