History of Poorhouses and their Purpose

During the 19th century, poorhouses were established in the United States to provide assistance to financially challenged residents. These institutions aimed to reduce the cost of government assistance by offering shelter and employment opportunities to the destitute. The houses were often seen as a means of reform, rehabilitation, and education, with the hope of eradicating crime, poverty, ignorance, and mental illness. However, the campaign to restrict poorhouses to the elderly and helpless gained momentum in the early 20th century.