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.