Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-17
BUILDING INADEQUATE
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSoCIA-
TON NEEDS MORE ROOM.
Institution Has Done Power of Good
in Third of Century Of
Existence IA

During the administration of President
Grant. in the early summer of 1860, more
than 200 women and girls were furloughed
or dismissed from the departments in
Washington leaving many of them without
means or shelter. There seemed to be no
place where they could find a home while
seeking employment, and private charity
not being able to reach all. their extremity
presented to the Christian women Of Wash
inston an opportunity to do good.
Gen. .. .. Howard, then president Of the
Young Mems Christian Association, sug-
sested that the time had come for a wo-
mems Christian association, whose charge
it should be to provide shelter for homeless
women seeking employment, and also
where board at living rate could be had
by women of small means. Through the
efforts Of Gen. Howard and the Rev.
George A. Hall, then secretary OF the
Young Men Christian Association, a tenn
porary place Of refuge was provided on [
street near 18th street, and the organization
was effected at a public meeting held In
Lincoln Hail. October 80 1869. with Mrs.
William Stickney as president. 1t is be-
leved that this was the second women's
Christian association organized in the
United States. The work is now continued
in all the larger cities and towns Of the
United States and In many other countries.
Henry Wilson's Friendship.
The new society had the friendship Of
Senator Henry Wilson, afterward Vice
President, and he secured the use OF the
frame buildings in Judiciary Square which
had been used during the war for hospital
purposes. Here was inaugurated the work
which, in its various branches. has ever
since been successfully carried on embrac-
oli
young women, those of middle age and Of
,dvanced years, and also in the way of out
loor relief.
After occupying the buildings in Judiciary
Square several years the association was
notified that the structures were to be re-
moved. A committee was appointed to
make a change, and the family of eighty
was soon in comfortable quarters, formerly
occupied by the Friends Mission, in 18th
street between r and streets. This ground
was soon afterward purchased for the asso-
citation.
Upon examining the records it was found
that thirteen states and five nationalities
were represented in the home; hence the
insl. tuition having become national in its
character. the managers felt justified In
asking Congress for an appropriation for a
building better adapted to it's needs. The
appeal was favorably considered, and an
appropriation of S25,C was made, the gov
eminent architect preparing the plans. The
funds proved to be insufficient, and it still
1t is earnestly hoped by the association
that the building may be completed in the
near future. as there is ample ground for
the purpose, and the accommodations are
quite insufficient for all who apply. While
some branches Of the work have been for
various reasons discontinued, others have
grown, and the committee on new work Is
awaiting a call for effort in the direction
Of demand having now the assistance Of
an earnest band of young women who have
formed an auxiliary society and only need
to be shown what to do in order to devise
means for the doing.
Steam Heating.
During 1901 a modern system Of steam
heating was introduced and the comfort
and safety of the family thereby insured,
but, of course, 1t involves an increased ex-
pendture for fuel even in ordinary times,
and emphasizes the Importance Of resisting
any decrease in the annual appropriation
of Congress, the suggestion Of which is
greatly deplored by friends of the institu-
ton, the present amount, $4,000, being bare
~ sufficient for present needs
The average number in the home daily
during the past year was fifty-seven, and
the number Of meals served 60, 40. Figures
indicate only family the cheer and COM
fort given to the hearts, as well as bodies
of those who at various times have been
members of this large family. The great
est need at this time is for more room to
accommo date those of all ages and beliefs
and of various conditions, who come to the
association for shelter.