Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Erin Dalton to lead New York City’s Department of Social Services, his office announced Wednesday. The appointment comes as the city grapples with near record-high homelessness, a shortage of affordable housing, and an intense winter that has proven deadly for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.
New Leadership for City Agency
Dalton previously led the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in the Pittsburgh area. She stated she is grateful for the opportunity to advance Mamdani’s “affordability and community safety agenda.” According to Dalton, the Department of Social Services can “reduce the painful trade-offs families develop between food and medicine, housing and safe childcare.”
The Department of Social Services is a crucial agency serving millions of residents, including those in homeless shelters and those receiving cash, food, or rental assistance. It encompasses the Department of Homeless Services and the Human Resources Administration.
A Change in Leadership
Dalton will replace outgoing commissioner Molly Wasow Park, a 22-year government veteran appointed by former Mayor Eric Adams in 2023. Park focused on increasing housing for homeless individuals, expanding Safe Haven beds, and issuing more housing vouchers. She will leave her role at the conclude of the week.
Dalton’s appointment comes as the administration faces backlash from advocates following the resumption of dismantling encampments. Mamdani has stated the Department of Homeless Services will now oversee these “sweeps,” rather than the NYPD, and has promised daily outreach to encourage individuals to accept shelter or housing.
In a September op-ed for the Pittsburgh Gazette, Dalton highlighted her agency’s efforts to address encampments, stating they helped move 80% of 250 people experiencing homelessness into shelters or long-term housing. She argued that treating people experiencing homelessness as “neighbors in need, not criminals” is essential.
The agency too faces potential challenges from looming federal budget cuts that could impact food benefits for over 1.7 million New Yorkers, according to agency data from December 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Erin Dalton?
Erin Dalton previously led the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in the Pittsburgh area and has been appointed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to lead New York City’s Department of Social Services.
What is the Department of Social Services responsible for?
The Department of Social Services oversees a shelter system housing around 90,000 people nightly, adult protective services, and the nation’s largest municipal rental assistance program. It also includes the Department of Homeless Services and the Human Resources Administration.
What changes has the Mamdani administration made to encampment sweeps?
The Mamdani administration has resumed dismantling encampments and makeshift accommodations, but now the Department of Homeless Services will decide when and where these “sweeps” occur, rather than the NYPD.
As New York City welcomes a new leader to its Department of Social Services, what challenges and opportunities do you foresee in addressing the city’s complex social service needs?
