Introduction
The FY24 Annual Report for the Office of Community Services (OCS) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlights our efforts to reduce the causes and consequences of poverty, increase opportunities and economic mobility for individuals and families, and revitalize communities. The report demonstrates how OCS programs align with our core priorities, summarizes findings from work conducted during FY24, and highlights how data-powered efficiency efforts enhance program delivery.
The shared passion and commitment of OCS staff and its fellow stakeholders have made OCS-funded programs a vital support for the most vulnerable households across the Nation for over four decades. The OCS team is deeply proud of the goals we have accomplished together in FY24, and we look forward to continuing OCS’ legacy of service while delivering with even greater effectiveness.
OCS Priorities
1
Ensuring the programs we administer are of the highest quality possible and reach those most in need
2
Lifting up voices from the field and using lessons learned to be thoughtful and innovative in our approach
3
Identifying opportunities to break down silos and implement cross-cutting initiatives within OCS and ACF, and across the federal government
4
Amplifying OCS' many connections to HHS’ and ACF’s top priorities to better support families and communities
Background
In FY21, OCS created its first-ever annual report and established foundational priorities to build upon in subsequent years. Those key priorities guide OCS’ mission and ensure that the programs administered are of the highest quality and reach the greatest number of people and families in need. These priorities are based on stakeholder and recipient feedback and use lessons learned that are thoughtful, inclusive, and innovative. They identify opportunities to break down silos and implement new initiatives within OCS and ACF, and across the federal government. They also amplify and align with Health and Human Services’ (HHS’) and the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF’s) mission to better support families and communities.
In FY22, OCS staff worked industriously to implement these priorities. OCS began new programs and developed new management tools to enact these priorities and be more efficient.
In FY23, OCS focused on measuring the efficiency of its programs and the progress toward better aligning with the FY21 priorities. OCS was able to track accomplishments more resourcefully, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions that improve program impact and help those in need. By systematically evaluating its efforts, OCS demonstrated accountability, optimized resource allocation, and continuously refined strategies to serve communities better. These reports enabled OCS to establish benchmarks to improve upon, highlight achievements, remain focused on the mission, and create lasting economic change for millions of people in the United States.
In FY24, OCS advanced its mission to empower communities by strengthening economic mobility, fostering partnerships, and expanding access to vital resources such as housing, food, energy, and water. Through programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Community Economic Development (CED) program, the Rural Community Development (RCD) program, and the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP), OCS reached millions of households, creating jobs, improving rural infrastructure, and addressing basic needs for vulnerable families. Building on prior investments in data-driven decision-making, OCS continued to refine its approach to deliver more targeted, efficient services that improve housing stability, energy security, water access, and basic family needs nationwide.