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Like most settlement houses founded in the
late nineteenth century in New
York and other cities, Hudson Guild was an
experiment in social reform. A circle of progressive leaders, including
Jane Addams, Charles Loring Brace, and Lillian Wald, formed a movement
to aid the poor and working poor, especially those of America’s burgeoning
immigrant population, through the creation of these houses.
These leaders very strongly believed that each human life has
intrinsic value; that change and growth are ever present; and that
there is a deep connection between the well being of individuals and
the prosperity of the community and that one derives strength from the
other. The philosophical underpinnings of their work led them to become
members of the communities they sought to serve. From this experience,
they worked to transform what had been the one-way flow of charity into
a dialogue of true partnership with and empowerment of community
members that would allow them to take charge of their lives and help
others to do the same.
First, there was recognition of and a commitment to addressing
common interests and needs based on shared values. Second, resources
were put in place, maintained, and refined to assure that community
members have the information, skills, and opportunities to learn, grow,
and act for themselves and in concert with others. Finally, over time,
these processes created and strength-ened the “social
fabric” that binds a community and enables its members to
succeed, in both good and bad times.
Hudson Guild has deep roots in this “community
building” approach to addressing human needs. In order to help
people help themselves, the Guild’s basic beliefs and values are
not removed from day-to-day realities but are imbedded in all Guild
programs and services as well as Hudson Guild’s mission
statement.
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