• public safety
• neighborhood
• transportation
• recreation and culture
• health and human services
• economic development
• general government

Residents expressed that emergency housing, services for the elderly and Head Start were among their top social service priorities at community meetings in 2008. Assisting those in need is one of the most critical services the County provides. We are doing our best to improve, and economic challenges have not deterred our commitment. In 2008, the quality of social services improved 8 points since 2005.

• Helping families find homes. Since 1984, the Affordable Housing Surtax Program has not only created a total of 15,000 affordable rental units, but has also made it possible for more than 7,000 low-income families to become homeowners.
  
• Providing shelter in a financial storm. In 2008, the Homeless Trust placed over 8,500 adults and children into emergency housing and more than 3,100 people into permanent housing.
  
• Helping seniors conserve. In 2008, more than 1,500 senior households were retrofitted with low-flow showerheads and high efficiency toilets. As a result, the community saves water and seniors keep more of their money.
  
• The right ingredients for healthier aging. Last year, we served 765,318 meals to the elderly through various programs including Meals on Wheels and County supported senior centers.
  
• Offering help against homelessness. The occupancy rate for the County's Public Housing system has remained above 93 percent in 2007 and 2008, enabling families in need to be placed in affordable housing. And with the number of available Housing Choice Vouchers increasing 9 percent from 2007 to 2008, the County is helping more low-income residents find affordable homes.