Home Photo Gallery Classroom Documents Dear President Roosevelt: Your letter of September 23rd, inquiring as to conditions in this community has been received, and I take pleasure in responding to the best of my ability. Staten Island is slowly but surely emerging from the depression, and there are many indications that recovery is actively under way. Thanks to the relief projects inaugurated under your administration, there is a minimum of acute suffering; but one must still recognize a vast amount of hardship, particularly among those who have seen better things. Generally speaking, I believe the churches have been of inestimable service, both in sustaining the general morale and in the relief of specific cases. They are now feeling the pinch themselves, however, due to the fact that so many of their sustaining members who avoided the relief rolls by drawing upon their savings, have reached the end of these resources, and are no longer able to contribute. The distress of many hitherto strong congregations is very real. Extension of the Home Loan privilege to Churches and charitable institutions might afford a measure of relief. For the Social Security Legislation recently enacted, I have nothing but praise. It indicates a veritable miracle of social awakening. Its success, however, will depend very largely upon the personnel of its local administration. This is shown by the fate which has overcome the Old Age Pension System of the State of New York, which is perhaps the least efficient of our relief agencies. Such, at all events, is my own experience. May I, in closing, express my deep appreciation of the fine Christian leadership which you have given the country in this matter of Social Security Legislation ? History will regard it as a landmark in our national progress. Praying to Almighty God that you may have continued strength to meet the great responsibilities of your high office, and with all the best wishes for a prosperous and enjoyable vacation, I beg to remain, Very respectfully yours,
Lefferd M. A. Haughwout, Rev.
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