By Laura Bailey
HARTFORD – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that Connecticut’s Head Start on Housing pilot program, which helps families with young children experiencing homelessness secure permanent housing, will continue to expand.
The program, first launched in 2022, is the first of its kind in Connecticut and nationwide, connecting families enrolled in the federal Head Start program with housing support through federal vouchers.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, leveraging resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to connect families with long-term, stable housing.
“Stable housing is among the most important components of a child’s development and wellbeing, and by expanding this state pilot program using federal housing vouchers we will be able to connect more young families to a place they can call home,” Governor Lamont said. “Ensuring families have access to long-term, stable housing is not only possible, but it’s a moral imperative.”
Since its launch, the Head Start on Housing program has successfully housed 144 families, benefiting 317 children. Of these, 232 children were enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start programs, with 85 of the children being school-aged. Moving forward, the Connecticut Department of Housing plans to allocate 50 additional housing vouchers annually to assist more Head Start and Early Head Start families in need.
“By cutting the red tape that often occurs when trying to access permanent housing vouchers, we are giving Connecticut children and their families an increased chance of economic and educational success that otherwise may not be possible,” Connecticut Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno said. “We’re leveraging our existing resources to provide wrap-around services, underscoring once again that continued collaboration is vital for effective programs that help our children and families.”
The program is also garnering attention beyond Connecticut. Housing and Head Start providers in other states have expressed interest in using the Head Start on Housing model to address similar issues of homelessness among families with young children.
“By leveraging Head Start’s two-generational model of providing services to both the child and the family, these programs are uniquely positioned to support Head Start on Housing’s goal of providing safe and stable homes for young children and their families experiencing homelessness,” Connecticut Early Childhood Acting Commissioner Elena Trueworthy said. “We know that children’s development can flourish when their families feel healthy, supported, and secure.”
Dr. Shante Hanks, Director of the Head Start on Housing program, expressed gratitude for the continued support of the initiative.
“This has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve had the privilege of leading,” Dr. Hanks said. “Thanks to the vision and support of Governor Lamont and our commissioners, we can continue to provide families with the high-quality homes they deserve.”
The Head Start on Housing Program is part of Connecticut’s broader efforts to combat homelessness. Each year, more than 25,000 families in the state receive support through the Department of Housing’s homelessness prevention and assistance services.
“We recognize that a stable home environment is essential for students’ academic success and personal development. By sustaining the Head Start on Housing program, we are ensuring that students receive the support necessary to engage meaningfully in their education,” Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said. “I extend my gratitude to Governor Lamont for his continued commitment to this visionary initiative and the continued partnerships between state agencies to support families with young children.”
For more information about the Head Start on Housing program, visit headstartonhousingct.com.
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