Mamdani Appoints New Head of NYC Homeless and Social Services

Erin Dalton, former Allegheny County official, to lead NYC's Department of Social Services amid homelessness crisis

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Erin Dalton, previously the head of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Pittsburgh, to lead New York City's Department of Social Services. The appointment comes as the city faces near record-high homelessness, a shortage of affordable housing, and an intense winter that has proven deadly for those experiencing homelessness.

Why it matters

The Department of Social Services is a crucial agency serving millions of New Yorkers, including those in homeless shelters and those receiving cash, food, or rental assistance. Dalton's appointment comes as the Mamdani administration navigates scrutiny over its approach to homelessness, including the recent resumption of encampment dismantling.

The details

Dalton 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 employs more than 14,000 people, though hundreds of budgeted positions remain vacant.

  • On February 25, 2026, Mayor Mamdani announced Dalton's appointment.
  • Dalton will replace outgoing commissioner Molly Wasow Park, who will leave her role at the end of the week.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who appointed Erin Dalton to lead the Department of Social Services.

Erin Dalton

The new head of New York City's Department of Social Services, previously leading the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Pittsburgh.

Molly Wasow Park

The outgoing commissioner of the Department of Social Services, a 22-year government veteran appointed by former Mayor Eric Adams in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“We must reduce the painful trade-offs families develop between food and medicine, housing and safe childcare.”

— Erin Dalton, Incoming Commissioner, NYC Department of Social Services (newsy-today.com)

“Treating people experiencing homelessness as neighbors in need, not criminals, is essential.”

— Erin Dalton (Pittsburgh Gazette)

What’s next

The Mamdani administration faces potential challenges from looming federal budget cuts that could impact food benefits for over 1.7 million New Yorkers.

The takeaway

Dalton's appointment to lead the Department of Social Services comes at a critical time, as New York City grapples with a homelessness crisis and the new administration navigates its approach to addressing the issue, including the controversial resumption of encampment dismantling.