History of Friendly House  

Generations of Quad Cities families have found Friendly House to be a haven, a social center, giver of counsel, extender of the helping hand and catalyst to involvement. Friendly House is a settlement house. The settlement philosophy was brought to America from England in 1886 by Jane Addams. The name “settlement” derives from the practice of early reformers to “settle” among the people they served.

Now over a century old, Friendly House originated in the "Bucktown" district of Davenport where concern for people living in the area led the Rev. Ned Lee to establish the People's Union Mission. In 1911, the mission became non-denominational and changed its name to Friendly House. Two years later, due to changing demographics, Friendly House moved to Third and  Taylor Streets. In 1993, Friendly House moved to its new home at 1221 Myrtle Street in Davenport.

Since 1896, Friendly House has sought to meet the needs of the community. Whether it was penny movies in the depression era or the current child care programs, the common goal throughout the years is to bring self-esteem and mutual respect to everyone who enters our doors. Friendly House is what the name implies. It achieves so much because it has a galaxy of unselfish friends who are inspired by a will to help others.

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Friendly House l 1221 Myrtle St. l Davenport, IA 52804 l  563.323.1821 (Phone) l  563.323.8024 (Fax)