Friendly Visiting among the Poor

Charitable work begins with knowing a household, in Mary Ellen Richmond's handbook for volunteers who visit people living in poverty. Addressed to beginners working independently or through churches and societies, it treats friendship as a continuing responsibility. Richmond draws on charity organizations in Baltimore, Boston and London, along with the example of Hull House in Chicago. Chapters cover breadwinners, homemakers, children, health, recreation and relief.

The discussion of household borrowing makes the book's practical approach especially clear. Richmond describes costly loans secured against furniture, explains how fees can deepen financial trouble, and urges visitors to seek legal advice about a family's contract. She also considers fairer lending organizations as a way of preventing dependence on charity. Readers interested in the history of social work can see how personal visits, organized support and attention to everyday finances were brought together in an early guide to helping poor families.