Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House is a community based non-profit organization that offers comprehensive services to the youth, adults, seniors and families in the Western Queens community. The resources, opportunities and support we provide serve as a catalyst for community members to reach their greatest potential and achieve social and economic self-sufficiency.

Description and/or History:
Jacob A. Riis was the founder of the Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House. He was a native of Ribe, Denmark, and came to New York City in 1870. Riis's book, "How the Other Half Lives" exposed conditions previously thought not to exist in America. He used photography to bring unprecedented public awareness to pressing social problems through a relatively new medium.

In 1888, Jacob A. Riis collaborated with The King's Daughters, an organization of Episcopalian church women, to establish a Settlement House to help newly arrived immigrants. In the 1940's and 50's, Riis Settlement began to offer programs for residents of public housing developments in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. At the same time, the original Settlement House building in the Lower East Side was sold; in 1950, Jacob A. Riis Settlement House moved all of its activities to the Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City, Queens.

Contact person: Frances Hartmann, Program Coordinator, (718) 784-7447 x129, (email)

Address:

1025 41st Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the F train to 21 Street/Queensbridge and walk two blocks west on the north side of 41st Avenue (towards Manhattan) to arrive at the Jacob Riis Settlement House. You can also take the Q66, Q69, Q100, or Q102 buses. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: F to 21st Streeet/Queensbrige,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: Q66, Q69, Q100, or Q102, 5 minute walk