The Settlement House Movement

The Settlement House Movement was a social initiative that began in the late 19th century, where community centers—called settlement houses—were established in impoverished urban areas. These houses aimed to improve the lives of residents by providing services such as education, healthcare, childcare, and job training. Volunteers and social workers lived in these communities to better understand residents' needs and promote social reform. The movement sought to address poverty, inequality, and urban suffering through direct assistance and advocacy, fostering community development and social change that laid the foundation for modern social work and community service efforts.