Before the state and federal governments provided assistance, who was providing relief to Americans

Around 1930's due to the Great Depression many people were unemployed, so the federal government stepped into the matter and Roosevelt Administration established the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) that aided many people. Later in 1935 came up the Social Security Act which offered grants for poor, elderly people, blind and other vulnerable groups. Before it the relief was mainly provided by religious charities and other private groups. A minimal assistance was provided by state and local governments as well.

Local Charities provided relief to Americans during the great depression assisting poor people in getting a well-balanced meal.

Later on, Harry Hopkins, an American social worker, spent plenty of time as a "friendly visitor" improving the condition of the poor, he later became part of the Roosevelt family heading the "Temporary Emergency Relief Administration" (TERA) to provide direct relief for the unemployed in New York.