Credit: Nuestro Stories
Established in 1911 as part of the anti-poverty settlement house movement that began at the turn of the 20th Century, the Riverside Community Settlement House was one of many to serve immigrants as they learned to adapt to their new country.
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During the 19th century, many of the immigrants who made their way to America found themselves living in squalor. Tenements, usually one large building split into multiple living spaces in order to maximize profit, were often found in poorer neighborhoods where immigrants were forced to reside due to a lack of resources when they first arrived. Coupled with the difficulties of finding employment in a country where they didn’t speak the language – let alone understand the dynamics – the anti-poverty settlement movement aimed to act as both advocate and teacher to all those who needed it.
The concept of the Community Settlement House was simple. It aimed to create a community for those who lacked it in order to ensure that the voices of those normally marginalized within society were given proper amplification. The philosophy embodied the following:
- Advance local leadership
- Promote resident participation
- Build social networks
- Develop common ground among the different neighborhoods
- Connect neighbors to different resources
- Foster a sense of belonging
While the movement that bore the settlement buildings may no longer be active, Riverside Settlement House is still alive and well. It currently runs as a community center with similar beliefs and principles of care.
Before You Visit:
The space is still a community center, and while they will be happy to tell you the history it is not a traditional landmark that gives tours and guided history.
- Location: Address: Riverside, California
- Address: 4366 Bermuda Ave
- Take a virtual stroll here.
