The Depression Papers of Herbert Hoover

Relief

Throughout his term Hoover relied primarily on volunteer organizations to assist those who were unemployed, believing that the economy would recover before the resources of private charity ran out. He regularly urged Americans to support charity organizations, and he used the prestige of his office to bring volunteers together to plan relief efforts.

• Telegram, October 31, 1930
  Hoover praises the success of local community chest campaigns.
• Letter, January 10, 1931
  Hoover compliments the Red Cross on its relief efforts and agrees to appeal for public assistance to the Red Cross.
• Appeal to the nation, January 13, 1931
  Hoover asks Americans to donate to the Red Cross.
• Announcement, January 18, 1931
  Hoover announces the formation of a non-governmental committee to raise funds for the Red Cross.
• Radio address, January 22, 1931
  Hoover asks Americans to donate to the Red Cross.
• Press statement, February 3, 1931
  Hoover states his views on the use of federal funds for disaster relief.
• Press conference statement, August 7, 1931
  Hoover describes the government's activities in relation to unemployment relief.
• Statement, August 12, 1931
  Hoover announces that community chest associations in 227 cities will be able to provide full unemployment relief.
• Press statement, August 19, 1931
  Hoover announces the creation of a non-governmental committee to coordinate unemployment relief.
• Press statement, October 1, 1931
  Hoover reports that several states will be able to provide unemployment relief for their citizens.
• Radio address, October 18, 1931
  Hoover urges Americans to participate in relief efforts.
• Message to Congress, July 5, 1932
  Hoover requests an appropriation for the President's Organization on Unemployment Relief.
• Address, September 15, 1932
  Hoover addresses the Welfare Relief Mobilization Conference on the tasks before it.
• Radio address, October 16, 1932
  Hoover urges citizens to donate to relief organizations.

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