Document 4: "Report of the Lodging Committee," from the Annual Report of 1884, unprocessed collection of YWCA of Greater Baltimore, 128 W. Franklin Street, Annual Reports, 1883-1902.

Document 4: "Report of the Lodging Committee," from the Annual Report of 1884, unprocessed collection of YWCA of Greater Baltimore, 128 W. Franklin Street, Annual Reports, 1883-1902.

Introduction

        This document places the Baltimore YWCA in the Progressive Era reform tradition.  The work of the YWCA in providing inexpensive and temporary housing for working women was the most visible contribution the Association made to the city.  Additionally, the final statements express the belief of many women that their organizations were in a unique position to effect change for other women.

REPORT OF THE LODGING COMMITTEE.

MRS. M.P. BAILY, Chairman.

       "In reviewing our work for the past year, though still in our Home with only six beds, we have nearly doubled the number of our lodgers, and have been obliged sometimes to refuse shelter because of our very limited accommodations.  We have had during the year, one hundred and thirty-nine lodgers, representing in all, 1044 nights' lodgings, showing our rooms often too crowded to allow them to remain long with us, but many of them long enough we hope, to make them feel we are their friends to whom they can apply in all emergencies, and they have seemed to realize they had a home with us.  Many interesting cases have come under our notice, some sad ones, but we hope we have been able, with the very efficient aid of our Secretary and Matron, to give comfort and encouragement to many lonely but bright girls, who only need a helping hand and cheering word, and afford to many sad ones a sister's touch and sympathy to guide them aright, and to all, our interest and earnest prayers for their present help and future need.  We ask for our new Home the support of all interested in woman's work for woman, and feel that we are a central point from which all other work should emanate."


 
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