Don Bosco Social Service Society (DBSSS) began as part of the Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC) at Basin Bridge, North Chennai. Established in 1951 as the Dominic Savio Oratory, the Centre served the youth of Pulianthope, a densely populated slum area, through educational and formative programs. Initially focused on youth development, DBYC also provided critical relief during natural disasters like floods and fires. From 1976 to 1980, operating under the name ‘Kamadenu’, it distributed essential supplies such as milk powder, baby food, medicines, and clothes to the poor. In 1973, an Environmental Improvement Programme was launched as a pilot project for 1,124 families, which laid the foundation for DBSSS to emerge as a distinct social service entity.

Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. John Joseph, DBSSS began its formal development work in 1980, with a strong focus on uplifting the marginalized and socially deprived. The organization functioned from the St. Joseph’s Technical Institute until April 14, 1985, when its own building was inaugurated at Dr. Ambedkar Nagar by Archbishop Arulappa and presided over by Thiru T. V. Anthony, IAS. DBSSS continued as part of the Technical Institute community until 1992, and in 1993, it became a fully independent institution. Since then, DBSSS has been committed to serving the urban poor through sustainable, community-driven programs in education, health, environment, livelihoods, and social empowerment.