2. The CCC was instantly popular with workers and the general public
By July 1, 1933, over 1,400 work camps had been opened to house workers of the CCC, which numbered 250,000 men between the ages of 18 and 25. Another 28,000 unemployed veterans and 14,000 Native Americans were housed separately, supported in some cases by men hired locally because they possessed expertise or skills essential to the successful completion of the projects at hand. Soil erosion and its control was a pressing issue, particularly in the South and Midwest, and 161 camps were eventually opened to combat and alleviate the problem. Other camps existed purely for the construction of recreational facilities. Camp Roosevelt was one such camp when it opened.
The young men who availed themselves of the opportunity to join the CCC enrolled for a term of six months. After its completion, should no work be available outside of the corps, they could remain if they chose it for another term, and then another if needed, up to a total of two years of service. For his efforts, an enrollee was given housing in the camps, which included a mess hall, recreational facilities, and a small store. He was paid $30 each month, though it was mandatory that $22 be sent to a member of his immediate family or other designated relative. He also received an allotment of work clothing and necessary tools, and medical care provided by the government.