Frequently Asked Questions

The HSRG (Human Services Resource Guide) is a computerized database of public, non-profit, and some for-profit human services available to Fairfax County residents.

The HSRG was designed, developed, and is maintained jointly by the Resource Information Management Services (RIMS) Staff of the Department of Systems Management for Human Services and the Department of Information Technology (DIT). The RIMS staff is composed of Social Workers who research, classify, catalog, and maintain the data. The DIT staff is responsible for the technical aspects of the HSRG.

The HSRG contains a variety of information on organizations, including- detailed and service descriptions, eligibility information and other service access criteria including language capabilities and location details. The HSRG is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to anyone with access to the Internet.

Top of FAQs  General Overview

What types of organizations are included?

Human Services Resource Guide Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Top of FAQs  General Overview

How is the HSRG Organized?

The HSRG utilizes a Taxonomy-classification system to index and catalog services. This Taxonomy provides all users with a common language to identify similar types of human services when searching the database.

Top of FAQs   General Overview

Is there someone I can talk with about particular service need?

Yes. The Department of Systems Management for Human Services' Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) unit can be reached Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm, at

CSP works with Fairfax County residents to assess their needs and link them with public, non-profit, community-based, and private services/resources to meet their needs. In addition to English, CSP has staff members who speak Arabic, Bangla,Farsi, French, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu and Vietnamese.

Top of FAQs   General Overview

How do I search for information in the HSRG?

Search Tips

Less is More!!! Never use a phrase when a word will do. Never use a word when a partial word will do.

Browse By Alphabet – use to search all programs and organizations contained in the HSRG by letter

Site Search – use to search entire database, similar to an internet search function

Service Search – use when you have a general idea of the service name (i.e. clothing)

Zip Code Search (with Service Search) – use the zip code search along with service search to identify resources that serve that particular zip code area

Organization Search – use when searching for a specific organization/agency (i.e. DFS, Salvation Army)

Zip Code Search (with Organization Search) – use the zip code search along with organization search to identify organizations who have administrative locations in that particular zip code area

Classification Search – – use when searching for a specific topic or theme (i.e. health, education)

Taxonomy Search – use when searching through the classification structure of the HSRG

Top of FAQs  Using the HSRG

What are Service Access Criteria?

These are a combination of specific eligibility criteria and requirements for those seeking to acess the service; criteria may include required documentation, proof of income and/or residency requirements.

Top of FAQs   Specific Screen Information

What are Associated Classifications/Needs?

These are the Taxonomy classifications associated with the service you've selected. To find other services associated with the same classification, use the Classification Search.

Top of FAQs  Specific Screen Information

Is HSRG training available?

Yes. RIMS staff has developed the Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) training session to help users become more familiar and comfortable with the HSRG. We offer this free training monthly at our Falls Church office. We are also available to provide a private training session for your organization at either our site or yours. To find out about upcoming training sessions or to schedule a session for your organization, e-mail us or complete the Feedback Form

Top of FAQs  Providing Feedback

How can I let you know about changes to information included in the HSRG or send suggestions and comments?

There are four ways to provide updated information.

Top of FAQs  Providing Feedback

How accurate and up-to-date is the HSRG?

Maintenance of the database is an ongoing endeavor. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of HSRG data. The ever-changing nature of human services means some data may have changed since it was last updated. If you find information that has changed or is incorrect, please e-mail us or use our Feedback Form and share your comments with us.

Top of FAQs   General Overview