How did the settlement house movement differ from earlier attempts to relief poverty?

The settlement house movement differed from earlier poverty relief efforts by emphasizing community engagement and social reform rather than merely providing charity. While previous initiatives often focused on direct aid, such as food and shelter, settlement houses aimed to empower the poor through education, vocational training, and social services. They sought to address the root causes of poverty by fostering collaboration between the affluent and the impoverished, promoting cultural exchange and civic participation. This holistic approach marked a significant shift in how society viewed and addressed urban poverty.