Hundreds of Low-Income Families in Jefferson County Face Childcare Loss as Funding Dries Up
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Hundreds of low-income families in Jefferson County could lose access to childcare and early education if the federal government shutdown continues past Nov. 1.
Across the nation, Head Start programs are preparing for major funding disruptions, leaving local centers struggling to stay open.
Mendell Grinter, President and CEO of Wesley House Community Services, said the organization is “very concerned” about the impact of losing federal funds. Wesley House serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, offering free meals, education, and care through Head Start.
“It’s vitally important,” Grinter said. “Losing funds creates a potentially desperate situation for us.”
With reserves running low, Grinter said the center could “survive through the end of the month” before funds run out.
Families enrolled in Head Start typically live at or below the poverty line, meaning alternative childcare options are often unaffordable.
“If our families don’t have access to quality childcare, they can’t go to work,” Grinter said. “It’s a devastating ripple effect for our community.”
The shutdown could also interrupt children’s access to free meals—including breakfast, lunch, and snacks—that programs like Wesley House provide daily.
Still, Grinter said his team plans to keep the doors open through November, covering employee paychecks and basic supplies using internal funds.
“We’re going to push through,” he said, adding that the center hopes to get reimbursed once the government reopens.
Meanwhile, Louisville officials say they are exploring ways to support affected families but have limited resources.
“The city is looking for ways to support families impacted by the shutdown,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “But we don’t have the resources of the federal government—and that’s why it needs to reopen.”
Grinter echoed the sentiment.
“There are no winners in this prolonged government shutdown,” he said. “Just families and communities that are suffering.”
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