Uncertainty permeates the nation’s networks of social services all the way from the federal government to community help centers like the Comprehensive Community Action Program and Health Services (CCAP) serving low-income families in Cranston and Warwick, among other cities and towns.

From President Trump’s sudden freeze on federal funds to an upcoming vote in the state’s House of Representatives on potential cuts to Medicaid, agencies like CCAP are in a precarious time with, as CCAP Chief Operating Officer Gina Eubank describes as minimal guidance from the government.

Formed under the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act, the private, nonprofit community action agency works to meet the needs of disadvantaged community residents through its community health center, heating assistance and Head Start programs.

As one of Rhode Island’s largest community organizations, CCAP is funded by the state and federal governments.

“So far mostly all we've really received are the executive orders,” Eubank said. “There's been minimal guidance from the departments of the government that oversee our grants. I think there's a little uncertainty even on their side on exactly how to interpret some of those [executive orders] and how they impact us.”

On Jan. 27, a memo was released by the Trump administration that imposed a pause on federal funding. Two days later, the memo was rescinded, effectively ending the freeze on federal funds.

During that time, Eubank said, CCAP’s drawdown from its grant was delayed longer than usual. Instead of the usual 48-hour window, it took the agency about a week to receive the funds for its Head Start and health center programs.

Worried about Head Start

Although the freeze ended, some executive orders by President Donald Trump (i.e. mandates to review federally funded programs related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and climate change) remain in place and could affect and limit any new funding programs or pending grant applications.

“I think Head Start would be significantly impacted by the federal funds going away,” Eubank said. “The health center does produce revenue, so I don't know exactly what that looks like. If that money stopped, would we have to close? I don't necessarily think so. Would we have to downsize? Absolutely.”

Head Start is a federally funded early childhood program that supports school readiness for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged kids from low-income families.

CCAP employs about 390 people and serves 44,000 people in Cranston, Scituate, Foster, Warwick and Coventry, according to the agency’s website. Other CCAP programs provide services in North Providence, Providence, Smithfield, Johnston, North Smithfield, Burrillville, Providence, Pawtucket and Glocester. In addition, some programs provide services on a statewide basis.

CCAP President and CEO Chris Mansfield said these recent actions have been the most alarming the agency has seen.

“For 60 years, CCAP has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty,” Mansfield said. “The rapid decisions being made put countless lives at risk. It’s heartbreaking to imagine so many people left without food, health care, education, heat and basic necessities due to lack of funding. We are deeply concerned for our communities and we remain committed to fighting for them and providing the essential support they need.”

Also worried about adult dental services

As for the upcoming budget proposal with proposed Medicaid cuts, Eubank says she is concerned because CCAP serves a lot of Medicaid patients – 70% of their dental patients have Medicaid.

Cuts to that, Eubank says, could result in some of those people losing Medicaid eligibility. But her biggest worry with Medicaid is how it could affect adult dental services.

“What I really worry about is Rhode Island cutting adult Medicaid dental services,” Eubank said. “Rhode Island happens to be one of few states that covers adults who

have Medicaid for dental services. It's not just about us as an entity, but what do some of these cuts mean to the people we serve?”

Another area of concern with federal funds is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It is a program that assists families in need with energy costs through their heating and cooling assistance programs, weatherization and emergency energy costs.

Eubank says they have been hearing cuts to that program, which means people who have relied on those programs will not be able to have them. And this will also affect the summer season as fewer residents will be able to receive cooling assistance.

As the agency continues to navigate uncertain times, Eubank says the focus is on making sure CCAP can hold on to what it has.

In 2023-2024, the CCAP food bank served 4,670 individuals and 1,460 families.

Tara Pratt, director of dental and community engagement, says CCAP has always been about the whole person.

“These aren’t just numbers on a budget. They represent real people fighting to survive,” Pratt said. “Cutting support isn’t just a policy decision; it’s a choice that will leave families vulnerable and without the essential resources they need.”

To learn more about CCAP, visit the website at comcap.org.