What Were Hoovervilles?
During the Great Depression, many Americans lost their jobs, homes, and savings. With nowhere to live, thousands of families built small communities of shacks and tents. These settlements were called Hoovervilles, named after President Herbert Hoover, who many blamed for the country’s economic troubles. People used the name to criticize Hoover because they believed he didn’t do enough to help struggling families. Hoovervilles became a symbol of the hardship and frustration people faced during this difficult time.
Where Were Hoovervilles Found?
Hoovervilles appeared in cities and towns all over the United States. One of the biggest was in Central Park in New York City, where families lived in small shacks. In Seattle, Washington, a large Hooverville near Elliott Bay lasted for years. Some Hoovervilles had just a few families, while others had thousands of people.
Why Did People End Up in Hoovervilles?
The Great Depression caused millions of people to lose their jobs. Without money to pay rent or house payments, they lost their homes. Banks foreclosed on houses—meaning they took them back when owners couldn’t pay—forcing families to leave. With no other options, people built their own homes out of whatever materials they could find, such as scrap wood, tin, cardboard, old tires, and even tar paper.
Life in a Hooverville
Hoovervilles were usually built on the edges of cities or in empty spaces. Families used scrap wood, metal, and cardboard to build small shelters. These homes did not protect well against bad weather. Many Hoovervilles had no running water, electricity, or sanitation—the systems that keep areas clean and safe, like toilets and trash collection. People had to share outdoor bathrooms and cook over open fires.
Life in Hoovervilles was very tough. Many people didn’t have jobs and relied on soup kitchens—places that gave free meals to the poor—for food. Because of the poor living conditions, people often got sick. Even though life was hard, many tried to help each other and build a sense of community.
How Did the Government Respond?
At first, the government did little to help homeless people. President Hoover believed in rugged individualism, the idea that people should solve their own problems without government help. He thought charities and local governments should provide aid, not the federal government. But this didn’t work, and people became more frustrated.
When Franklin D. Roosevelt became president in 1933, his New Deal programs helped struggling families. The government created jobs, built public housing, and improved living conditions. As the economy recovered, Hoovervilles disappeared.
The Legacy of Hoovervilles
Hoovervilles are an important reminder of the Great Depression. They show how hard life was for many people and how government action can help during tough economic times. They also highlight the strength of Americans, who found ways to survive and support each other even when life was difficult.