By: Michelle W.Settlement houses were first built in America in the late 1890's. The original mission behind them was to help better transition new immigrants into American society. Most immigrants came to America speaking little English and struggling to fit into society. Settlement houses provided several social services such as English class, personal hygiene and parenting classes, after-school programs for children and nurseries. Settlement houses were most prevalent in large cities in the northeast and Midwest. As settlement houses grew and became more established, many began researching the neighborhoods around them. The houses presented their findings to the city and lobbied to get public bathing houses, better sanitation services, public libraries and playgrounds.
The most well-known social settlement house was Hull House in Chicago. It was founded by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr in 1889. Residents of Hull House fought for children rights and created the nations first juvenile court system. Nationally, residents banded together with other settlement houses to fight for child labor laws, workers compensation, and unemployment benefits. Hull House still exists today and focuses its services on children and the homeless.
Sources:
Jones, Jacqueline, et al. Created Equal A Social and Political History of the United States. New York: Pearson, 2008.
“Hull House.” Encyclopedia of Chicago. 2005. Chicago Historical Society. 09July2010.
Michaels, Vince. Hull House, 09July2010. <>
