The Settlement House Movement originated in England during the late 19th century. It was a social reform movement aimed at addressing the challenges faced by urban communities, particularly those in poverty. Settlement houses were established in impoverished areas to provide a wide range of services and support to residents.
In 1886, the movement reached the United States with the opening of the University Settlement House in New York City. The American interpretation of the settlement house model differed from its English roots in one significant way: the religious overtones that characterized the English movement were largely abandoned. While the English settlement houses were often affiliated with religious organizations and sought to spread religious values, the American approach focused more on providing practical assistance and social services to residents.
American settlement houses became hubs of community development and support, offering services such as education, healthcare, childcare, vocational training, and recreational activities. They aimed to improve the lives of the urban poor by providing them with resources, skills, and opportunities for upward mobility. Prominent figures such as Jane Addams and Lillian Wald played key roles in advancing the Settlement House Movement in the United States.
Overall, the Settlement House Movement was a significant social reform movement that sought to address the needs of urban communities. Its arrival in the United States in the late 19th century marked the beginning of a transformative period in which settlement houses became integral parts of American cities, helping to improve the lives of countless individuals and families.
