NEED FOR ORPHANAGES
With the explosion of immigrants from Eastern Europe, there was children needing a place to stay and someone to care for them. Many children lost their parents due to epidemics, while others were surrendered by families living in poverty or struggling with drug or alcohol addictions. Orphanages and other similar on institutions began springing up to fulfill this need. The institutions all had a goal to care and provide for children until their parents could do so again, or until they were adopted by parents who could care for them. Orphanages were not just created for children without parents; many of the children housed there still had one or both living parents who simply could not care for them. They were not able to care for their own children for many reasons varying from poverty,mental or physical illness or a desire to parent.
The orphanages were still the best option for children without any where else to go, although the orphanages lacked the necessary resources, staff, and structure to take care of the kids. Due to this many children were living in overcrowded spaces and poor conditions.