Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement

Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement is a community based non-profit organization that offers comprehensive integrated services to the youth, older adults, immigrants and families in the Western Queens community. The resources, opportunities and support we provide serve as a catalyst for community members to reach their greatest potential and achieve social and economic self-sufficiency. Across our eight program sites, we provide vital services to thousands of community members each year. HISTORY: Jacob A. Riis was a native of Ribe, Denmark, and came to New York City in 1870. Riis's book, "How the Other Half Lives" exposed conditions previously thought not to exist in America. He established Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement to meet the needs of newly arrived immigrants. In 1897, the settlement house moved into its first home at 48 Henry St. in lower east Manhattan. Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement continued to diversify activities, broadening the scope of activities to include athletics, citizenship classes, and drama. In the 1940s and 50s, the settlement house began to offer programs for residents of public housing developments in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. At the same time, the original settlement house building was sold, and in 1950, Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement moved all of its activities to the Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City, Queens.