Oregon poor farms once helped people in need

(NOVEMBER 10, 2023) In the past, Oregon had a system in which counties (a "county" is a form of government that is larger than a city but smaller than a state) were responsible for taking care of their poorest residents. These places were called "poor farms." These poor farms provided food, shelter, medical care, and sometimes even burial services to people in need. However, the quality of care varied widely, with some being a safe haven and others more like prisons.

In the past, poor farms were prevalent across the United States. They served as a local form of assistance for those who couldn't support themselves due to poverty, illness, or age. They often operated as working farms. This offered a cost-effective way to help people in need. While some residents did contribute to the farm work, many came as a last resort because they couldn't sustain themselves through work.

Over time, the federal government introduced social programs like Social Security. This led to the decline of poor farms. Most of them disappeared, and some were repurposed as county hospitals and nursing homes. One such poor farm in Multnomah County was eventually transformed into the popular hotel and restaurant, Edgefield. These institutions were once a crucial lifeline for many in need but have now largely faded into history.