The Settlement House Movement emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the challenges faced by immigrants and the urban poor in rapidly industrializing cities. Settlement houses, such as Hull House founded by Jane Addams, provided essential services like education, healthcare, and cultural activities to help integrate marginalized communities into society.
These centers aimed to bridge the gap between the affluent and the impoverished, fostering social change through community engagement and empowerment. The movement played a crucial role in advocating for labor rights, women's suffrage, and improved living conditions, leaving a lasting legacy in social work and community organization.