Human services are vital to the health of every community. Fort Worth, Tarrant County, the State of Texas, secular non-profits, faith-based non-profits, and for-profit providers have a strong history of community initiative and collaboration in the delivery of human services. As far back as the 1920s, labor unions in Fort Worth supported the Community Chest, the forerunner of the United Way. Today there are over 300 major private sector and governmental agencies and programs providing human services for Tarrant County residents.  

Umbrella organizations such as United Way, Area Agency on Aging, Catholic Charities, Tarrant County Youth Collaboration, and Mental Health and Mental Retardation of Tarrant County are especially vital in ensuring efficient delivery of services. They also provide information and referral, and solicit and leverage funds. Additionally, the Emergency Assistance of Tarrant County assists the community in addressing the needs of persons in financial crisis by providing a forum for quarterly agency-wide meetings and monthly resource sharing activities, training workshops, and collaborative projects.

The recently established Fort Worth Community Relations Department focuses on improving community relations and customer service to residents throughout the city. The new department is a consolidation of several functions: the former Human Relations Department, the Neighborhood and Youth Outreach Office, Our City Our Children, and the Action Center and staffs several boards and commissions throughout the city including the Mayor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities, Fort Worth Human Relations Commission and the Fort Worth Commission for Women. 

The department is divided into two divisions that work together to successfully meet its broad and comprehensive goals. The Outreach Division provides information on city services, offers education and training opportunities, and develops special projects for neighborhoods, community organizations and youth groups. It accomplishes this through Neighborhood Outreach and Information, Education Liaison & Youth Outreach, Multicultural Affairs & Events, and its Action Center. The Enforcement Division investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing and places of public accommodation.