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Early colonial poverty relief programs are extensions of the British system.

1620s

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The system focuses on the contract system, the auctioning off of people living in poverty, the poorhouse, and relief in the home, which is also known as “outdoor relief.” The contract system entails "dependent" people being placed on farms and in large homes, with the owner agreeing to pay a lump sum for their care. The auction system is similar, but is decided through a public bidding process, with the person being "given" to the lowest bidder.