What program did the WPA hire a photographer to document poverty in America?

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) is the correct answer because it was a key New Deal agency established during the Great Depression, aimed at providing jobs and support to the unemployed. One of the WPA's initiatives included the creation of the Federal Art Project, which encompassed various artistic endeavors, including photography. The WPA hired photographers to document the harsh realities of poverty, which culminated in a rich visual history of American life during that time. This effort underscored the social challenges faced by many and aimed to raise public awareness while promoting appreciation for the arts.

In contrast, the Social Security Act established a social insurance program to provide financial assistance to the elderly and unemployed, but it did not have a direct photography initiative. The Federal Housing Authority focused on improving housing standards and providing loans for home construction, rather than documenting social conditions. Lastly, the National Labor Relations Act addressed workers' rights and labor relations but did not directly relate to documenting poverty or employing photographers. Thus, the WPA stands out as the agency that specifically employed photographers to capture the struggles of impoverished Americans.