Leila Faldin

Michelle, thank you.

Thank you.

2025 has been tough for groups that help those in poverty.

For example, a network of local groups called Community Action Agencies connects about 15 million people with a long list of safety net programs.

But the Trump administration's cutbacks and funding chaos have left them scrambling.

NPR's Jennifer Ludden is here to tell us more.

Good morning, Jennifer.

Hi, Michelle.

So we've certainly heard all year about how this administration is trying to scale back one program or another.

Where do these local groups fit into that?

You know, they are on the front line of all of it.

And we're talking about a thousand local anti-poverty groups that date back to the 1960s.

And they sign people up for, you know, housing, health care, food, heating aid, on and on, you name it.

I visited one called HapCap.

It's in southeastern Appalachian, Ohio.

And executive director Kelly Haddis told me, for her, the chaos started in January.

She called it the worst day in her career.

It was when President Trump ordered a freeze on all spending.

Michelle, they were about to lay off everyone at six Head Start centers when the White House then said Head Start was exempted.

So it was a relief.