Travelers Aid International

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The Travelers Aid movement began in St. Louis, Missouri, under the leadership of Mayor Bryan Mullanphy. Its purpose was to provide assistance to American pioneers and new immigrants who became stranded on their journeys. At his death in 1851, Mullanphy left a bequest of one half million dollars in his will to help "aid travelers going west."

By the 20th Century, Travelers Aid Societies had sprung up in major cities across the country. The programs protected stranded people, especially women and children, from others who would use, abuse, or victimize them. Although many of the Travelers Aid programs were started by religious communities, services are provided regardless of beliefs. Travelers Aid is the oldest non-sectarian social welfare organization in the United States.

In 1914, the founder of the Travelers Aid program in New York, Grace Hoadley Dodge, brought together other Travelers Aid workers to form a national association. This association provided a "chain of service," with one agency helping another when inter-city transportation of a client was required. Travelers Aid was one of the original "United Service Organizations" (USO) that provided assistance to traveling service men and women, operating 175 troop transit lounges. Today, Travelers Aid responds to the specific needs of the community. Although each member agency shares the original service of assisting stranded travelers, many Travelers Aid agencies provide shelter for the homeless, transitional housing, job training, counseling, local transportation assistance, and other programs.