Introduction to Outdoor Relief

Outdoor relief refers to any form of monetary or in-kind assistance given to the poor that allowed them to stay in their own homes. It was considered more humane than making people enter workhouses to get aid.

Some key points about outdoor relief:

• It was distributed by parish authorities as well as private charities.
• It included money, food, clothing or other necessities given to the poor.
• It allowed recipients to continue living independently in their own homes.
• It was seen as a way to supplement low wages for the poor and needy.
• Critics argued it encouraged idleness and was abused by lazy applicants.

How Private Charities Distributed Outdoor Relief

In the 19th century, private charities played a major role in supplementing the parish outdoor relief system and helping the poor:

Charitable Organizations

• Large charitable organizations like the Charity Organization Society coordinated private philanthropy.
• They maintained registries of those receiving outdoor relief to prevent duplication.
• Smaller local charities also raised funds and distributed aid in their communities.

Methods of Giving Relief

• Private charities gave out food, clothing, fuel, and money allowances.
• Some set up soup kitchens, bread lines or clothing distributions.
• Charities investigated applicants to check their eligibility and tailor relief.
• Home visits allowed charities to see recipients’ living conditions.
• Some charities required work tests or labor in return for assistance.

Targeted Relief

• Private charities often targeted specific groups like children, the elderly or disabled.
• Orphanages, childcare programs and old age homes were funded by charities.
• Medical charities provided medicines, home nursing and care for the sick poor.
• Many focused aid on “deserving poor” who couldn’t work.

Prevention Over Temporary Relief

• Charities aimed to prevent destitution rather than just give temporary relief.
• They advocated thrift, self-reliance and moral reform among the poor.
• Some charities provided basic education and job training skills.
• Rehabilitation programs tried to reform drunkards, criminals and prostitutes.
• The goal was to help recipients become independent again.

Ongoing Debate Over Outdoor Relief

Outdoor relief from both parish funds and private charities remained controversial:

• Critics argued it was too indiscriminate, wasted resources and encouraged dependence.
• They pushed for tighter eligibility standards and more indoor relief in workhouses.
• Supporters saw outdoor relief as a way to alleviate suffering and supplement low wages.
• They saw workhouses as too harsh and wanted to give the poor more dignity.
• The debates led to reforms like the 1834 Poor Law that restricted outdoor relief.
• But private charities continued providing outdoor aid even when government support declined.

Conclusion

In summary, outdoor relief distributed by private charities provided a vital source of support for the poor in 19th century England. It allowed them to maintain independence and avoid the workhouse. Though criticized as misguided charity, it formed an essential part of social welfare before the growth of state welfare programs in the 20th century. The efforts of private charities highlighted both voluntary compassion for the poor and ongoing debates over the best methods of poverty relief.

Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Relief from Private Charities

Here are some common questions about outdoor relief distributed by private charities in 19th century England:

What were some major charitable organizations that provided outdoor relief?

Some of the largest charitable groups providing outdoor relief included the Charitable Organization Society, the London Society for Organising Charitable Relief and Repressing Mendicity, the Charity Organisation Society, the Salvation Army, Dr. Barnardo’s homes for children, and the Quakers’ Soup Kitchen.

What types of relief did private charities distribute?

Private charities gave out a range of assistance including food, clothing, blankets, fuel, rent money, medical care, and allowances for necessities. Some focused on specific needs like orphanages for children.

Who were the main recipients of outdoor relief from charities?

It targeted the poorest of the poor, including children, the elderly, the disabled, the sick, and unemployed or underpaid laborers. Women like widows or abandoned wives often qualified for parish or charity relief.

How did charities investigate applicants for relief?

Charities used home visits, interviews, and checking with parish records to verify need and suitability, prevent fraud, and coordinate so relief was not duplicated. There was a stigma attached to receiving charity.

Were there any issues or criticisms surrounding private outdoor relief?

Some argued it was too indiscriminate, reduced incentives to work, and attracted fraud. But others saw it as reflecting genuine charitable spirit lacking in bureaucratic poor relief. Debates continued over its merits and flaws.

How did private outdoor relief compare with the government parish system?

Charities had more flexibility and provided a wider form of aid focused on prevention and rehabilitation. But parish relief could have more funds and consistency compared to voluntary efforts.

Did outdoor relief lead people to become dependent on charities?

In some cases it did, if relief was given without efforts to improve recipients’ self-sufficiency. But charities tried to avoid permanent dependency by training people for jobs and reforming behavior.

Were any regulations imposed on private charity outdoor relief?

No strict regulations initially, but the Charitable Trusts Acts in 1853 gave more oversight. Charities had to register with the Charity Commission to gain legal status and the Commission investigated complaints.

Did outdoor relief remain in place up through the 20th century?

It declined after the 1834 New Poor Law but continued on a smaller scale. More state intervention created programs like pensions that gradually supplanted private outdoor relief over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, outdoor relief from private charities played a substantial role in assisting the poor and needy in 19th century England. It provided essential aid that allowed people to avoid the workhouse and sustain themselves independently. Though not without flaws, it highlighted the efforts of charities to take responsibility for social welfare in the absence of government programs. The legacy of private charitable relief efforts remains relevant today.