In a nod to the sobering realities of homelessness and housing insecurity, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) has acknowledged the critical findings of Controller O’Connor’s audit. The Allegheny County press release reported that the audit indicates a stark lack of sufficient funding to combat homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing, catalyzing lengthy shelter stays and inefficiencies in temporary housing programs.

DHS Director Erin Dalton stated, “It is important that the public is aware of the limited and largely flat State funding for human services and how the lack of funding limits our ability to address key social issues," per the county’s press release. Further emphasizing the department’s eagerness to collaborate for better financial support, Dalton stated, “We look forward to partnering to advocate for increased funding.” In agreement with the audit, the DHS attributes the bridge housing and shelter issues to a spike in housing costs and post-pandemic staffing problems amongst providers.

Allegheny County is taking action with the 500 in 500 campaign, aiming to quickly provide 500 affordable housing units in 500 days. This plan is meant to help people in crisis move from emergency shelters to stable housing faster and make sure that emergency shelters are just temporary, not a permanent solution.

In response to the Controller's Office's recommendation to better internal controls and processes, the DHS has committed to documentation and amelioration efforts. They aim to refine their stewardship of public resources, with a hopeful eye toward automation that may bolster efficiency and precision in their operations.