The paper is devoted to the history of the formation and development of shelter, livelihood, charity and philanthropy in European countries on the example of England, France and Germany. The policy of the state authorities to combat poverty is considered; general tendencies towards poverty and vagrancy in European countries are noted. The special features of the national policy of individual states in shaping the attitude of citizens to the needy segments of the population are highlighted. Attention is paid to the role of the Church in the education of mercy and the desire to help the disadvantaged.