My wife, Melina, suffered an unimaginable trauma when she was abused to the point of brain damage in a for-profit psych ward. This catastrophe not only fractured her spirit but has deeply affected our ability to maintain stability as a family in Ohio. Despite the severity of our crisis, the State of Ohio offers little to no dedicated assistance programs for childless couples like us struggling with mental health and financial difficulties. Trying to recover and stay together as a family unit, we found that existing resources merely scratch the surface of relief.

Ohio's current system failed us, as it does many others in similar predicaments. Families without children in distressing scenarios often find themselves excluded from existing support programs. Shelters available often separate families, which only adds to the emotional distress. The homeless assistance programs available simply do not provide the necessary comprehensive support systems that allow families to recover and thrive again.

Rent assistance programs in the form of lotteries are not reliable nor sustainable solutions for families teetering at the edge of homelessness. We demand a re-evaluation and reform of these so-called solutions. The government must take actionable and immediate steps to fund comprehensive support services for families and individuals in crisis, ensuring they remain intact regardless of whether they have children or not.

The consequences of ignoring this issue are dire; families like mine face the constant threat of disintegration due to lack of adequate support when in dire need. A family should never have to choose between staying together or seeking the help they desperately need in regaining stability.

I am calling on the Ohio Government to prioritize the funding and development of robust assistance programs for all families in crisis. This means creating policies that address the unique needs of individuals suffering from mental health challenges and financial concerns. Effective programs should include increased funding for mental health services, comprehensive housing support that does not separate families, and community resources that offer real, lasting solutions beyond unreliable temporary fixes.

Together, we can demand change from our state, ensuring that every family in Ohio has access to the support they need to weather their crises without losing their dignity and unity.

I urge everyone who reads this to sign the petition. With enough voices united, we can compel the government to act with compassion and urgency.