﻿HOL'SIXG COXDITIOis^S IN INDIAXAPOLIS 



111 



10. An Investigation of Housix^^g and LmNG Conditions in 

 Three Districts of Indianapolis. 



By L M Campbell Adams, A. M., Late Teaching Fellow in Economics and 

 Social Science, Indiana University. 



Introduction. During the winter of 1910 a special investiga- 

 tion of housing and living conditions in certain parts of the city 

 of Indianapolis was made for the Charity Organiaztion Society 

 of that city. The primary object behind the investigation was a 

 desire on the part of the organized charity workers to have in 

 their possession definite information concerning conditions under 

 which certain classes of people live. It is their invariable cnstom 

 to make a special investigation of each particular family which 

 applies to them for assistance. But this general investigation 

 was not confined to families who needed aid. It covered all of 

 the families of certain districts, including not only the poor and 

 needy but those who were living comfortably within their in- 

 comes. The figures secured show the average of the district. 

 In the future, when individual cases arise for investigation and 

 aid, it is hoped that a comparison of the figures secured at the 

 time in regard to the particular case Avith the general statistics 

 secured from this investigation will be of assistance to those into 

 whose hands the case falls. This is not the only benefit which wil^ 

 accrue from the investigation. At some future time, perhaps five 

 or ten years from now, another investigation can be made over 

 the same territory. The figures got at that time can be compared 

 with those secured this year, and changes in the general trend of 

 life in the district will be brought out. 



Briefly we might say that this investigation is one of several 

 steps now being taken by the Charity Organization Society to 

 place their work on a higher plane. They desire not only to 

 handle specific rectuests for charity but to have a comprehension 

 of the broader situation. They wish to be in a position to help 

 society in general as well as certain individuals in particular. 



1 Three districts were selected in which the investigation was 

 to be made. They were chosen, not because they were worse 

 than any others in the city, but because, in the opinion of those 

 having charge of the work, they were typical average districts. 



The investigation was planned and carried on through the 

 united efforts of the special commiittee of the Charity Organiza- 

 tion Society and the Dejjartment of Economics and Social Science 



