After the major crisis of the banking situation had slightly blown over, President F.
D. R. faced a new and much more prominent problem: providing relief and other charities for the unemployed, now homeless families, struggling businesses, and facilities. He quickly designed many new programs that would surely help these families in desperate need. The Public Works Administration (PWA) was designed to provide the public with certain necessities without providing politicians with the opportunity for corruption. Roosevelt watched over these proceedings carefully. The plans implemented at this time included huge public buildings, dams, irrigation, and other flood-control projects.
Another relief plan that helped businesses in particular was the National Recovery Administration (NRA) along with the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA). These were designed to help businesses by eliminating unfair competition through a series of codes and newly established laws. The laws against combinations of large businesses were suspended as long as workers were guaranteed specific minimum wages, maximum hours, and the right to bargain as an organization. A very successful relief operation that was specifically designed for young men was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This organization provided work for unemployed and unmarried men.
They received food, shelter, and were paid about $30 a month for their services. $25 of that monthly sum was intended to provide for their families. Over 250,000 men joined this group, living together in army-type camps. They performed outdoor work such as digging ditches, fighting fires, and restoring and constructing homes. They benefited from the workout, and so did their families.
