In 1932,due to the Great Depression at least 25,000 families and more than 200,000 young people wandered through the country seeking food, clothing, shelter, and a job. Many youths traveled in freight trains and lived near train yards in camps called hobo jungles. Some homeless, jobless travelers obtained food from welfare agencies or religious missions in towns along the way. Many travelers became ill because they lacked proper food and clothing. The Depression changed people's attitudes toward unemployment. People came to view unemployment not as a personal shortcoming but as a condition that can result from circumstances beyond the individual's control.

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