Settlement House movement
In the late 1800s, industrialization caused American urban areas to grow rapidly as many people moved to cities in search of jobs and a better way of life.
The people on the move were often poor immigrants seeking higher paying jobs or freedom from oppression. Once the newcomers arrived in the city, their living conditions were less than ideal, characterized by crowded and unsanitary tenements.
Settlement houses were founded to help the new city dwellers by offering advice, classes, entertainment, and social services ranging from day care to food service to public baths. Many programs targeted the health and welfare of children.
Well-known settlement houses, such as Hull House and University Settlement House, appeared in major cities like Chicago and New York, and by 1910, there were 400 settlement houses across the United States.
Key to the success of the settlement house movement were the dedicated social workers and staff members who helped the urban poor learn to take pride in themselves and work to improve their situation.
The people on the move were often poor immigrants seeking higher paying jobs or freedom from oppression. Once the newcomers arrived in the city, their living conditions were less than ideal, characterized by crowded and unsanitary tenements.
Settlement houses were founded to help the new city dwellers by offering advice, classes, entertainment, and social services ranging from day care to food service to public baths. Many programs targeted the health and welfare of children.
Well-known settlement houses, such as Hull House and University Settlement House, appeared in major cities like Chicago and New York, and by 1910, there were 400 settlement houses across the United States.
Key to the success of the settlement house movement were the dedicated social workers and staff members who helped the urban poor learn to take pride in themselves and work to improve their situation.