Poorhouses in California - Essay Example

Prior to reviewing the history and functioning of California’s poorhouses, the actual cause that led to the establishment of such facilities should be examined. In the earlier days, prior to the formation of poorhouses, paupers and destitute people within a community were cared for by providing relief through a caretaker and auctioning or contracting them with those who require their support or work (History of 19th Century American Poorhouses, n.d.). While is not clear as to when such poorhouses actually came into existence, a political code instituted in the year 1982 included a provision of care for the destitute and sick population within the country.

This led to the establishment of several poorhouses within the country which were mostly tax-supported residential institutions. However, by the 19th century the United States adopted the system of Poorhouse establishment from England. This was seen as a more efficient and less expensive method to provide relief to paupers and destitute in the country. Hence several such houses were created with the hope that housing paupers in institutions would provide an opportunity to reform their character or habits and help them overcome poverty and homelessness (History of the 19th Century American Poorhouses, n.d.).

It was quite a challenge to collect information pertaining to the origins of poorhouses in California as by the time these institutions were established, it was politically incorrect to refer to these facilities with names that seemed derogatory. During the years 1930 and 1940, the Work Projects Administration (WPA) began an inventory process of the County Archives of several states. As early as 1850, the legislature made a provision that the Court of Sessions which later became the Board of Supervisors, should take care of the county welfare and provide all the