Trump administration's Head Start overhaul could cut aid for homeless families
A proposed rule change by the Trump administration would tighten eligibility for homeless children in Head Start, jeopardizing the program that helped a single mother escape homelessness.
TaNisha Thomas credits Head Start with rescuing her and her son from homelessness after she lost her job and housing in Fort Worth, Texas. The program currently allows centers to set aside up to 3% of places for homeless or foster-care children and to enroll them without full documentation. A new Trump administration proposal would scrap that rule, forcing families to prove homelessness before receiving services.
Critics say most rural and suburban families cannot provide such proof, risking a sharp decline in enrollment of the roughly 60,000 homeless children currently served. While the administration argues the reforms will lower overhead from 15% to 5% and free $2.2 billion for additional slots, advocates fear the loss of flexibility will undermine the program’s core mission. The proposal is open for public comment until Oct. 6.
Why it matters
Changes could strip vital early-education and support services from homeless families who rely on Head Start.
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