What societal challenge was Hull House primarily created to address?

Hull House was primarily created to address social services for the urban poor. Founded by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr in 1889 in Chicago, Hull House served as a community center that provided a variety of social services aimed at improving the living conditions and opportunities for impoverished urban residents.

The establishment of Hull House responded to the influx of immigrants and the dire social conditions they faced during the rapid urbanization of the late 19th century. The center offered educational programs, cultural activities, childcare, and assistance in navigating the complexities of urban life, thereby directly targeting the needs of the urban poor. It was a pioneering effort in social reform that highlighted the importance of community-based solutions to poverty, ultimately paving the way for the broader social work movement.

While other challenges such as unemployment, legal rights for immigrants, and healthcare were certainly relevant during this time, Hull House's mission was singularly focused on providing comprehensive social services to uplift and empower those living in poverty in urban settings.