Explain the project

This is an overview model of how the hoovervilles look like briefly. The plans of the model came
from pictures I found on the internet. Then, I simplify and change some parts of it to make the
model easier to make with the materials I have.

How does it reflect the great depression

It shows that as the economy worsens, people start losing their jobs and use up their savings so
they are forced to become homeless which is why shanty towns or hoovervilles are built as their
shelters. The hoovervilles are usually built with cardboard, tin, glass, pieces of fabric or
whatever material the people could find so it also reflects how much people are struggling to live
under harsh situations.

Why did you choose this topic

I think it is something that could be explained and understood better with a model and when I
chose the topic not many people are doing the topic so I think it is better to do a project about
hoovervilles by myself and learn about other topics from other people.

What would you do if you were in that situation

I would try to save as much money as I can and try not to lose my job. Then, I will find a new
income as quickly as possible to save up some money for emergency situations. If I lose my
house and need to make a shelter for myself and my family, I would try to get stronger materials
like woods or thick pieces of tin to build my shelter instead of making tents out of clothes.

What did you learn about the topic that you did not know before doing this project

- At first, I only knew that hoovervilles are shelters for the homeless so I have learned
about the details of how the great depression leads to the people becoming homeless.
- I learned that hoovervilles are usually built near rivers or water sources which allows
people to keep their hygiene.
- St. Louis’ Hooverville, built in 1930, had its own unofficial mayor, churches and social
institutions. This Hooverville thrived because it was funded by private donations.
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Shantytowns = hoovervilles = tent cities

Appeared in California, Arizona, Tennessee, Florida, Washington etc.
As the Depression worsened and millions of urban and rural families lost their jobs and depleted
their savings, they also lost their homes. Desperate for shelter, homeless citizens built
shantytowns in and around cities across the nation. These camps came to be called
Hoovervilles