New York (N.Y.). Human Resources Administration

The Human Resources Administration (HRA) was created by Mayor Lindsay in August 1966 by executive order. It was one of the "superagencies" created during this era having wide-ranging, broad, responsibilities. All the responsibilities of the Department of Social Services, as well as other large City agencies were subsumed under HRA. The HRA is directed by an Administrator, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, a First Deputy Administrator and seven Executive Deputy Administrators or Commissioners. The Administrator is an ex-officio member of the city's Health Systems Agency Board and the city's Health and Hospital Corporation.

HRA's functions are to plan, develop and administer programs in the social service field aimed at reducing poverty through emergency shelters, income support, and the distribution of food stamps; to mobilize and utilize resources to improve community life through community action and development programs administered by the Community Development Agency (CDA), and to create jobs, develop skills, and provide services to children, youths and aged persons.

The Human Resources Administration encompasses many social service functions of the City. Its duties are carried out by the following agencies: the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Community Development Agency (CDA), the Opportunities/Initiatives Administration, Special Services for Children, the Income and Medical Assistance Administration, Adult Services Agency, and the Crisis Intervention Services.