Louisa Porter Foundation (Savannah, Ga.)

This organization was chartered by the Chatham County Superior Court in 1869. It was named "The Refuge for the Homeless," and its purpose was to provide a temporary home for "friendless" and destitute women and children until permanent homes and work could be secured. It was not completely organized until 1875, when its name was changed to "The Industrial Relief Society and Home for the Friendless." Its purpose was enlarged to include free instruction in domestic occupations and assistance to the poor living at home but temporarily unemployed. It occupied the building of the Widows' Society, which it bought in 1885 This was on the corner of Charlton and Drayton Streets. In 1890 its name was changed to "Louisa Porter Home" in appreciation of a generous gift from the heirs of Louisa Porter Gilmer. It opened a nursery for children in 1892. In 1936 the building was leased to the city of Savannah for use as the Health Center. In 1938 the lots on which the building stood were deeded to the city for the erection of a new Health Center building. As it no longer operated a home, the name of the organization was changed to Louisa Porter Foundation" in 1940. It gives donations to various charitable and philanthropic organizations, and medical equipment to the Health Center.