Freedman's Bureau
After the Civil War, the majority of the African American's freed from slavery were left to live in poverty. Owning only the clothes they wore, having very little food, and no money. The Freedman's Bureau was founded in 1865 and its main purpose was to help these African Americans get on their feet. "It issued food and clothing, operated hospitals and temporary camps, helped locate family members, promoted education, legalized freedman marriages, provided employment...and provided legal representation.
www.archives/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau/#intro