Why did the new deal seek to solve the problems of the depression through public works, rather than the dole?

The idea was to use public works and fight the consecuences of the depression  by creating more jobs, creating better help and support from the government by this they created many labor laws.The core for that idea was to give not only money to the people but also respect. Through public works progress they could help to get Americans back to work and also to stimulate the economy.