Northwestern University Settlement Association Food Client Records

In addition to the many educational and recreational programs offered by the Northwestern University Settlement to the residents of the West Town neighborhood, the Settlement has also provided emergency assistance through its Emergency Food Pantry and Clothing Supply.

This series consists of three boxes of client information files generated by the Settlement's emergency assistance program between Spring, 1985 and September, 1986, arranged roughly in alphabetical order by client name.

The records consist mainly of photocopies of identification presented by the clients in order to verify their residence within the Settlement's jurisdiction. Forms of identification include driver's licenses, rent receipts, utilities bills, library cards, Medicaid and Public Aid cards, and other items that would establish the client's residence. Some of the identification materials are accompanied by Settlement “Intake Information Sheets” or “Application for Food” forms, which give details about the individual's situation. Files also include referral letters from other private and public agencies, as well as a few letters relating to other forms of assistance (referrals, drug counseling, legal advice) offered by the Settlement. Because identification was required each time a client requested assistance, many individuals are represented more than once. Each file has hand-written notations by the Settlement worker with the date and, often, a code indicating the assistance rendered.