By the mid-1800s, the street corners of New York City were home to several thousand homeless, abandoned and orphaned children.
Those that remained on the s.
Although some found refuge in orphanages and sanitariums, these facilities were ill-suited for the care of these children and lacked the resources to provide for more than a handful at a time.
These poor unfortunates were destined to lie a life of crime or prostitution - creating a tremendous drain on city resources and society in general.
By the mid-1800s, the street corners of New York City were home to several thousand homeless, abandoned and orphaned children