History of the Community Settlement Association

The Community Settlement Association (CSA) has served Riverside’s Eastside community for more than a century. Established in 1911, the organization was originally known as the City Home League and later became known as the Community Settlement House. Today, it is officially called the Community Settlement Association, though many residents still refer to it simply as “the Settlement House.”

CSA was founded by Mrs. Kate Wheelock, wife of Riverside Unified School District Superintendent Arthur Wheelock. Recognizing the needs of Riverside’s growing immigrant population, many of whom worked in the citrus industry and railroads, Mrs. Wheelock and a group of volunteers created an organization dedicated to helping families facing poverty, limited educational opportunities, and language barriers.

The City Home League began as a day care center for working mothers and quickly expanded its services to include social welfare programs. Early funding came from members and local churches, supporting programs such as visiting nurse services, sewing classes, and English-language instruction. These efforts reflected the national settlement house movement, which sought to improve the lives of working-class and immigrant families.

A major milestone occurred on March 14, 1917, when the Settlement House acquired a campus that had previously served as a Japanese and Mexican employment center. The site became home to a variety of community services, including a nursery school, clothing distribution, bathing facilities, maternity services, and laundry services.

Partnerships played an important role in the organization’s growth. By the 1930s, the Settlement House was supported by representatives from 38 civic and church organizations. Programs expanded to include health and sanitation education, sewing and cooking classes, arts and crafts, adult education, library services, home visits by nurses and caseworkers, nutrition assistance, and summer day camps.

The original Settlement House operated near Lincoln Park until 1941, when the organization temporarily disbanded. It was reorganized in 1943 and resumed services at Irving School in Riverside’s Eastside neighborhood.

In 1945, the board launched a campaign to raise funds for a permanent home. Six lots were purchased on what is now Bermuda Avenue, and renowned Riverside architect G. Stanley Wilson donated the design for a new adobe-style facility. The building opened on March 14, 1947, and additional structures were later added to support the organization’s growing programs.

In 1980, the City of Riverside constructed the current main building with Community Development Block Grant funds and gifted it to CSA. Three years later, the City also transferred ownership of the adjacent parking lot.

Today, as an affiliate of the Riverside Community Health Foundation, CSA continues its mission of strengthening families and neighborhoods through education, wellness programs, civic engagement, cultural awareness, and community support.