Federal government shutdown puts Louisville’s Head Start programs in jeopardy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Some low-income families are at risk of losing their child care if the federal government doesn't reopen by Nov. 1.

Many Head Start programs across the country are bracing for the loss of federal funding, the latest development in the ongoing government shutdown.

Mendell Grinter, president and CEO of Wesley House Community Services, said they're "very concerned" about the prospect of losing federal funding if the shutdown doesn't end soon.

Grinter said Wesley House provides child care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. They rely on the center daily for free meals and education as part of the Head Start program.

"It's vitally important," Grinter said, adding losing funds creates a "potentially desperate situation for us."

Hundreds of low-income families in Jefferson County rely on those programs for child care, and, without funding, they're burning through limited reserves.

Grinter said they "can survive through the end of the month."

Some centers across the country have already temporarily shut down. Families who qualify for Head Start have incomes that are at or below the poverty level, so paying for alternative child care might not be possible.

"If our families don't have access to quality child care, we know they're not going to be able to go to work," Grinter said. "And it's just a devastating ripple effect for our community."

Closures could also affect children's access to breakfast, lunch and snacks. However, Grinter said Welsey House has a plan to get through November without disruptions. He said the center will float the money for employee paychecks, snacks and various other necessities to keep the doors open.

"We're going to push through," he said.

Wesley House hopes to get repaid afterwards, if it comes to that.

"We'll absolutely, as soon as the government reopens, submit those requests for reimbursement," Grinter said.

In Washington, lawmakers have not inched any closer to a resolution, and Louisville leaders said they don't have the means to resolve this growing issue.

"The city is looking for ways to support families that are impacted by this shutdown," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. "We don't have the resources of the federal government, and that's why it needs to reopen."

Grinter agrees.

"There are no winners in this prolonged government shutdown," he said. "... just families and communities that are suffering."

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