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T H.E WO RIC S PROGRAM --- Works Progress Administration --FOR RELEASE AFTERUOON PAPERS !!ionday, June 24, 1935. Mrs. Wood.ward cites visiting housekeepers as Works Progress project for women. Hrs. Ellen s. Woodward, Assistant Works Progress Administrator, today pointed to the work of a corps of visiting housekeepers organized under emergency homemaking projects in 43 States as one of the kinds of projects that will be undertaken for women 1L."1der the Works Progress Administration. The project has been eminently succe:.1sful under the Womens Sectio::'.l. of the FERA.' s Works Division and, with variations in accordance with the new Works Progral!l, will be continued f .J r needy women from the relief rolls in a number of States. It typifies the special attention that has been given to developing work projects suitable to the capacities of women and of value to co:mmunitios. Emergency homemaking projects have provided the special services needed in emergencies such as sickness or where the family has needed help to make the most cf its relief allotment. In the selection and prepe,ration of food, care of the home and its furnishings, making and remodeling garments, laundering and cleaning, management of the household, monetary b1J.dgeting, routine care of children and the sick, approximately 6,000 of these visitine housekeepers and assistants, themselves taken from relief rolls have sympathetically aided thousands of women on relief throughout the cou..~try. 11 It is obvious that tho duty of aiding family heads in spending t:ieir funds to maintain, regain, or establish a satisfactory home life is of immeasurable value not only to tho relief families Digitized by Original from NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY No. 4- - - 35 Page 2 •.• but to communities as a whole, 11 Mrs Woodward said • . Assignments to families are made on recommendations of social service workers. The housekeeper then visits the homes and proceeds to do the type of work most needed. If the mother is ill, tho house- keeper takes her place temporarily, caring for the children and doing the housework. Sometimes this help makes it possible for the mother to be cared for in the home, thus reducing hospitalization costs. If the case is one in which the mother needs instruction and encouragement, the housekeeper gives this kind of service. She strives to demonstrate orderliness and efficiency of home routine, giving advice as to inexpensive but healthful foods, care of clothing and household furnishings. Setting an oxamplo of how a home should be managed, ·sho e~courages the continuance of this systemized direction after her departure. There is probably no phase of women's work which has struck deeper into the roots of human needs than the work of the visiting housekeeper, according to Mrs. Woodward. 11 The visiting housekeepers themselves are taken from the relief rolls and can understand and appreciate the problems to be met in homes where resources are meager in the extreme, 11 she declared. ''They have gone into homes where conditions of dirt and disorder were almost· unbelieveable and without any expenditure of money have brought about a , .. remarkable transformation. 11 Emergency homemaking projects, as they .are sot up in different places,'naturally differ in organization and scope, depending upon the special needs of tho families, local conditions, and available workers. They fall into two general types, ma,.'1.ua.l and educational. The manual project employs women to go into homes where there is illness or other emergency and actually do the housework and assist in the care of the patient. The educational project is designed to teach better housekeeping methods and to encourage those families on relief who need help to work toward a better home lifo. Tho teaching is carried on by means of discussions and demonstrations, either in the individual homos or in gr.oup .m~etings. In some projects the same worker carries on both functions. Digitized by Original from NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY No. 4- - - 35 page 3 •• • While the name 11 visiting housekeeper 11 is often used to designate both the manual and non-manua.l worker, the former in some States is given the title which distinguishes her from the trained visiting housekeeper, such as 11 housekeeping aide, 11 11 home service worker, 11 11 home helper 11 or 11 motherls helper. 11 Careful consideration is given to the selection of workers on these emergency homemaking projects. A worker in the home of another person, even though she performs only routine household tasks, comes into close contact with members of the family. To be successful in her relation- ships with them she must possess tact, a pleasing personality and good judgw ment. She must, of course, be a good housekeeper. · Workers who- serve as visiting hous0keepers to teach and direct other women must be further qualified. They are selected on the basis of training in ho:ni;e economics, a knowledge of practical nursing, or because they are outstanding housekeepers who have roanc-'1.ged their own homes satisfactorily on a relief budget, are intelligent and alert and responsive to the special instruction given them before they go into homes. Competent supervision is given these emergency homemaking projects. In general, the State emergency relief a&ninistration home economist or a home economics specialist loaned by some other government agency acts as technical consultant for the work. Where possible, a supervisor who is trained in home economics and thoroughly familiar with the practical side of home making is directly in charge of each project. The supervisor, who must have or must acquire a sympathetic understanding of the special problems of the low income group, is responsible for giving the workers adequate training before they are assigned to any duties. Classes are held with home economic specialists arranging courses in their partiau.lar fields. Where possible, instruction in ho~e nursing, personal hygiene and sanitation is given by a qualified registered nurse. The housekeeping aides are given a brief preliminary course of instruction in order to develop techniques and common standards of work. Digitized by Original from NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY No. 4- - - 35 Page 4 ••• Reports from California state that the visiting housekeepers' project 11 has more than justified itself by filling a real need in the conmru.nity. 11 rt was pointed out that while most of the housekeepers were generally placed in homes where there had been maternity cases, others wore also advantageously placed. one was put in a homo where a heart patient had been ordered "bed rest." One was with a blind woman whose sister is a chronic invalid; another was sent to a homo whore the mother and throe children wero suffering from poison ivy. Ono was placed in a home where there was a tuberculosis case and others sent to places where there was acute illness. In many instances tho housekeepers have not only cloanod the homes well but have gathered clothing and materials to be used in made-over garments or have even returned after service has boon discontinued to lend a helping hand on their own timo. Some have taken upon themselves to call upon real estate agents and owners to soc if they would clean up some of tho homes by having painting and repair work done. They arc guided by tho desire to have these famili~s enjoy clean and comfortable homes where all of the luxuries have been denied-. It is a project where one helps the other, physically, morally and mentally, at a time when needs are greatest and funds are lacking. As an example of tho type of visiting housekeeper employed on those emergency projects, the history of Mrs. T-- in an Iowa county may bo cited. Born in a farming family in 1896, Mrs. T-- had to begin work when a girl of 16, as a helper in tho homo of a neighboring farmer. she and her husband farmed for throe years. Married in 1915, When ho left for the world. war front, she moved to town to take care of an aged couple. return, they lived in a small town for two years. After her husband's Here Mrs. T-- was active in Parent-Teachers Association circles, visiting homes, helping families, planning budgets and malcing constructive suggestions for home betterment. Since 1930, she has been forced to make her own living at any sort of housekeeping job sho could find, in ordor to take care of her four children. This has meant mostly day work, such as house-cloa.~ing, washing, ironing and the like. Digitized by Original from NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY t No. ~- - - 35 page 5 ••• For the past three months, o.s part of her job. she has been visiting the home of a relief family where the i,1other, wl10 ha~ had seven operations and is slightly psycopathic, was 1mable to manage her household. Mrs. T--•s children are now in high school and she hopes she will be able to see them grad.uated. The relief supervisor reports that she has an attractive personality and has been very successful in her visiting housekeeper work. From the Massachusetts supervisor a report was received that "the permanent good th,.~se projects have accomplished is little short of amazing nnd the work has been of absorbing interest. 11 11 For The re11ort, in part, is follows: 3-S the most pn,rt we have gone where there are huge families and Tihere there is illness, either of tho over-worked mother or one of the children. Mo.ny of these homes were in a well-nigh unbelievo.blc condition of dirt and squalor. All tho surroundings of theso h umes were filthy, alleys strewn with tin cnns, rubbish and garbage. And. the swarming children, UIL'lcernpt ~nd uncared for, had not even the foggiest concept of personal cleanliness or obedience. The splcndid part of this picture, however, is that not onc e di0 any of the housekeepers stall. They have worked liko Trojans and they are grateful for tho work which they }vwe done well. 11 In one fDmily where there are nine childr'3n, all have been cared for and are registering normal weight for the first time in their lives. Yet they are eating nothi:ag different, for they are fed on the com- missary rations. variety in a menu. The housekeeper is a fine cook a.nd understands the value of Mn.ny of the mothers did not know l:ow to prepare a decent meal, nor sew or darn a stocking. All these livas we have contacted are being reconstructed in terms of decency, friendliness and encouragement." From Missouri brief :,ictures of the types of families helped by the visiting houseke0pers are contained in tbe following supervisor's report. 11 Seven helpless. in family living in one room. Dau&1 a-l t er, 18 , so~e , wage earner. Husband is blind and Children all undernourished. Mother with Ymmg baby striving to keep family together and children in school. nsix in family. Family is thrifty. ambitious. Children are strong and cooperative. Everything s?otless in home. Mother is intelligent and. She works away from home a great deal of the time. to work for a year because of leg injury. Father unable Famil:r is helped along with what th ey get from relief ,vork. 11 Digitized by Original from NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY No-4---35 page 6 ••• "Two in family, aged couple, very appreciative of any port given them. SUiJ- Until lately supported by daughter, but she, having under- gone an operation, is unable to look after them at present. very poorly furnished. Home clean but The old man is sick most of the time. much pride they would starve if we didn't look after them. 11 They have so ,, In the majority of the States the visiting housekeepers are asked to keep a diary. The following entries are taken from one working in a Montana county. 11 Friday--Worked to me. all day at the home of a sick case assigned Cared for the sick lady, washed and fed the three children and sent them to school. The woman is Jm employee of the Mattress Factory and was quite ill from sinus trouble and a general breakdown. I cheered her up the best I could and completed the day's work after the children came home from school. 11 Monday--Duri;ng my home visits I came across a lady who wa.s ill, so I stayed there all day and helped with the work. Cleaned the house good, cooked two meals and r.elped tho four children go to school. Cooked the evening meal and washer. the dishes for the lady. Another diary contains the following ent:ry: "Helped the mother mn.ke a pair of trousers for her little boy. They turned out satisfactorily and cost practically nothing. Gave her a copy of the government bulletin obtained. from the supervisor on 'Infant Care and Feeding. t "Called at a number of homes where there was illness in the family. I cheered them up and helped with the heavy work. Gave one woman an alcohol rub to ease her back. 11 In Tulsa County, Oklahoma, there is an outstanding example of a visiting housekeeper project. county. There are 20 visiting housekeepers in the They have taught mothers how to spend their relief fu..~ds to adva,p,tage, how to plan wholesome meals a.'ld to prepare sL"l1ple, nourishing dishes. ingeniously helped. them make their homes more comfortable. They have For example, they taught many low-income homemakers h"",? to provide privacy in a one-room house by screens made from wrapping paper or burlap and how to make furniture from barrels and fruit crates. Digitized by Original from NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY No. 4 - - - 35 page 7, • • An outgrowth of the visiting housekeepers• work in the homes are clubs for women on relief. The women meet regularly for sewing, instruc- tion in homemaking and recreation. A fine cooperative spirit has developed. The women work for each other as well as for themselves and often help those unable to get to the relief club center. A supervisor's report concerning one of the groups in 01:lahoma states: 11 0n Friday, a special hat demonstration was given by the housekeeper's aide and 15 11,p.ts were blocked, reshaped and trimmed. registered at this demonstration. At 4 o'clock our in regular session with 34 present. fied Burlap, 11 11 Home Thirty women Improvement 11 club met A special demonstration was given on "Glori- Ten different Christmas gifts were exhibited at this meeting, all made from scraps of prints, cardboard. boxes, burlaJ?, orange crates, cigar boxes and tin cans." A letter written recently to the supervisor from one of the women members of this club indicates, ir. a measure, tho value of s~ch projects to these women, 11 I know you will be surrirised to hcn.r from me. of the Home Improvement Club. Mrs. O. W. is our supervisor. I am c. member She can 1 t be beat. I did not lmow what this club was all about until I happened by recently when they were having a meeting. as I saw what it meant to me. I went in end fell in love with the club as soon I've learned so many things, like how to make t~ings from sacks, and inex_pensive toys for children. "Next comes how to gPrden. until trro years ago. I lived all Always had a fine garden "., n den in town until recently. :rrw life on a farm the farm but never had a gar- However, they l:'..re both worked just alike. My garden is so small here I did.n' t know how to plan to have enougn ground to put in all I wanted. In going to the club I learned just what I wanted to know. Also, what I wanted to know about the irrigation, and through the club we are getting the water for our gardens at the minimum rate, of which we are very prCJud. 11 ! th e club. had almost forgot we have got some good receipts through Different kinds of soap receipts, hominy and good meat receipts. The last demonstration on toilet soap was good and the sample bar we got was fine. "You should see the pretty rugs some of the ,vomen made. see how we could get along without our club. days like I should. I enjoy every meeting. I don't get to attend the working There is a meaning in the meeting. most certainly enjoy the singing and devotional. tiona1 at present. help one another. I don't Mrs. The women arc all one big family. I A- has charge of the devo"' When we get to the club we Digitized by Original from NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY No. 4- - - 35 Page B ••• "Mrs. G--, this has boon on my r.:ind all thrcugh the lotter. Now I 1 m going to tell you. Our daughter 17 years old in Junior High School had. to quit on account of clothes and money to pay her typing bills. for over three weeks. She was out She started back to school this morning, I am glad. to say, and I am very thankful today our daughter is in school and. has enough clothes to go on to school and also has a job waiting for her after school hours. If it hadn't been for our club she couldn't have started back to school. I always will love the club members and the name of the club for what they have done for me and mine. "I hope you don't get tired of this letter before you get it read. I hope to meet you some day. a visit. I hope you come to A-- some d.ay and pay us (Signed) .A Friend, Mrs. B-- H-- 11 A preliminary summary of tho emergency homemaking project~ State by State gives a partial picture of the scope of these activities. At the time the summary was made five States had either not reported or had not conducted such projects. They are Connecticut, R.~ode Island, Delaware, New Mexico, and Oregon. .Alabama --- One project, employing eight workers • .Arizona --- Two projects, employing 92 workers • .Arkansas --- One project, employing 28 workers. California --- 16 projects, employing 728 workers. Colorado --- Nino projects, employing 350 workers. Florida --- 75 projects, employing 261 workers. Georgia --- 23 projects, employing 23 workers. Idaho --- One project, employing 62 workers. Illinois --- Two projects, omploying 103 workers. Indiana --- 20 projects, employing 56 workers. Iowa --- 10 projects, employing 18 workers. Kansas --- One project, employing two workors. Kentucky --- 32 projects, employing 684 workers. Louisiana --- Ono project, employing 50 workers. Maine --- One project, employing 12 workers. Maryland --- One project, employing seven workers. Digitized by Original from NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY No-4--35 Page••• 9 l.!assachusetts --- Ono project, empl:)ying ,17 '."Torkers. 1.iichiga.'11 - - Two projects, employing 24 workers. Hinnesotp, --- 26 projects, employing 313 workers. 1Iississippi --- Threo projocts, ,,mploying 454 workers. Eissouri - - 43 projects, employing 143 W•:)rkors. Montana --- Three projects, employing 24 wo rkers. Nebraska --- 11 projects, employing 11 workers. Nevada --- One project, employing seven workers. Nevr Hampshire --- 14 projects, employing 27 workers. New Jersey --- 14 projects, employing 106 workers. New York --- One project, employing 498 workers. North Carolina --- 29 projects, employing 247 workers. North Dakota --- Tvro projects, erapl oying 31 workers. 0!1io --- 41 projects, employing 348 -.,orkers. Oklahoma --- Eight projects, employing 55 workers. Perms;,·lvania --- 13 projects, employir.g 21 workers. South Carolina - Three projects, employing 251 workers. S01.i__th Dakot:3. --- ·35 projects, employing 117 workers. Tennessee --- One project, employing s0ven workers. Texas - Three projects, empl oying 88 workers. Utah - - 14 projects, empl oying 88 w·o rkers. Vermont --- Cne p:::-oject, e:nploying 100 workers. Virginia --- 32 projects, employing 139 workers. WaP-hington --- Th!-ee projects, empl oying 4 workers. West Virginia --- Three pro jocts,ereploying 16 workers. ~isconsin --- Seven projects, employing 28 workers. Wyoming --- One project, employing 74 workers. (Note: These figures are preliminary.) 0000000 Digiti zed by Original from NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
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