Hoovervilles were typically located on the outskirts of cities, in vacant lots or abandoned buildings. They were often made up of makeshift shelters, such as tents, shacks, and even old cars. The living conditions in Hoovervilles were often very poor, and residents often lacked access to basic necessities, such as food, water, and sanitation.
The people who lived in Hoovervilles were a diverse group, but they were all united by their poverty and their struggle to survive. They included families with children, single men and women, and elderly people. Many Hooverville residents had been employed in factories, mines, or other industries that had been shut down during the Depression. Others had lost their farms due to drought or foreclosure.
The Hoovervilles were a symbol of the human toll of the Great Depression. They were a reminder that even in a country as wealthy as the United States, there were millions of people who were living in poverty and despair.