The Ladies Relief Society Takes Charge of Seattle's Poor
Founded by a group of determined women to combat rising destitution, the society shifts from simple charity to a systematic, organized model of social support.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
In accordance with the duties imposed by my position as Secretary, it falls upon me to submit to you the annual report of the condition of the Ladies Relief Society of Seattle for the year ending April 1885. A little more than one year ago, a few thoughtful women, who had been impressed by the demands of the needy, met at the house of one of their number to consider the question, and by proper steps, to formulate a society whose systematized labors should afford relief to the poor and suffering of Seattle. The Ladies Relief Society was formed for the accomplishment of this purpose. Our report shows that fifty-one families have been assisted in various ways by the Society during the first year. In addition, a large number of men belonging to the so-called floating population have been clothed, fed, and provided with labor. We have been greatly aided by the Hon. John Leary, who said: 'Send all men who may apply for work to me, and if they are in earnest I will find them employment.' How nobly he has fulfilled his promise, the large number who have received employment at his hands alone can tell. As the population increases, there is a corresponding growth in poverty and destitution. We must not shut our eyes to the fact that the demands for our society will be more and more frequent. We appeal to all who have the cause of humanity at heart. That the little wayward feet get to steady paths has been undertaken cheerfully, willingly, without thought or care of earthly reward.
“As the population increases, there is a corresponding growth in poverty and destitution. We must not shut our eyes to the fact that the demands for our society will be more and more frequent.”
The Ladies Relief Society’s 1885 struggle with 'floating' populations and the need for organized, systematic aid for the poor echoes the ongoing debates in contemporary Seattle about how to handle housing instability and homelessness. Their transition from ad-hoc charity to an organized, committee-led model prefigures the current evolution of regional social services.
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