Settlement House

A type of British and American social institution which sought to address poverty, especially in immigrant communities and industrial cities. Often run by middle class men and women who “settled” in a large building in these neighborhoods, the occupants of Settlement Houses sought to provide classes, child care, gymnasiums, dining areas and meeting places for unions or civic organizations. Settlement houses also lobbied local governments for improvements such as public libraries, schools and bathhouses or changes to legislation regarding wages, child labour, and women’s pay.