About DHS

The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides Minnesotans with a variety of services intended to help people live as independently as possible.

Who we serve

The Minnesota Department of Human Services serves Minnesotans in all 87 counties and 11 tribes. More than one million Minnesotans receive some sort of help from our department. Among these are our grandparents, neighbors, friends, relatives and classmates.

Many of the people we serve only need assistance for a short period of time, while others need longer-term assistance. At DHS our goal is to meet people where they are at, and focus on outcomes to improve life situations, and to get people the help they need so they can reach their full potential.

Here is one of their stories:

Sean Campbell

When Sean suddenly lost his roommate in his two-bedroom apartment in Mankato, he needed a place to live.

Neither Sean nor his mother thought coming back to the family home was the best solution. Sean uses the Developmental Disability waiver administered by the Department of Human Services for support and was eligible and ready to move with Housing Access Services.

Arc of Southwestern Minnesota staff worked with both Sean and his mother to discuss budgeting and seek a new living arrangement that was affordable. During the process Sean said, "I really like it here in my apartment and would like to stay. ...it's so close to what I need." Arc staff made inquiries with the landlord, who had recently remodeled a one-bedroom unit in the same building. Arc worked with the landlord who reduced the rent amount by $40 in an effort to make it affordable for Sean.

Sean said after his move, “I love it here. I am so happy."