I am a single mother and was once homeless, now in a transition phase. My experience with the difficulties of overcoming homelessness has opened my eyes to the numerous challenges faced by marginalized individuals. Most importantly, the predatory submetering contracts have become a painful reality for many, unfairly straining families financially in Akron, OH.

The reality is that we live in a time where a variety of social and healthcare programs offer assistance enabling utility payments, like HEAP and PIPP. These programs serve as lifelines to those in transitional and low-income housing properties, as they rescue from the financial burden.

Unfortunately, many housing properties do not accept these alternative payment forms, limiting tenants' accessibility to crucial resources during their transitional phase. This not only blocks the path to progress for these individuals but also holds back our community's collective growth and development.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 17.1% of residents in Akron live under the poverty line. The same statistics show that governmental assistance programs aid nearly 6.3% of Akron's population to navigate the economic hardships associated with housing costs. It's clear the issue at hand directly impacts a significant portion of our community.

For these reasons, this petition is pressing for a new rule to be established, requiring transitional and low-income housing properties to accept alternative payment options. This change is not an act of charity, but a necessity – a step toward a fair, equitable, and inclusive society where no individual’s growth is limited by their financial instability.

Please join me in advocating for such a just cause. Sign this petition today.