Two years ago, my family and I found ourselves without a permanent home. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about the relentless struggle that hundreds of families like mine face every day. We’re not just numbers; we're parents and children urgently needing a place we can finally call home.

Our struggle is intensified by disabilities that demand stable living conditions. My children, like many others in Massachusetts, have had their disabilities recognized by doctors, and evidence has been presented to those in power. Yet, Governor Healey and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) have removed the disability priority for housing, making it impossible for families like mine to use the chronic homelessness policy that once offered hope for a stable future.

Many single mothers with multiple children face heartbreaking choices every day. They find themselves trapped in a cycle of instability, as the disabling effects of homelessness negatively impact their children, many of whom have special needs. With the recent changes, there are no exemptions offered to families struggling under the crushing weight of high rent, creating insurmountable barriers to finding sustainable housing.

The effects are devastating. A home provides the foundation for children’s development and wellbeing, particularly for those with disabilities. Without the prioritized access to housing, our families are on the brink of losing much more than a roof over our heads.

We are calling on Governor Healey to restore housing priority for families with disabilities. The health clinics and health advocates across Massachusetts must unite to voice the profound necessity of this policy. This change is needed not only for us, but for future generations who deserve a fair chance.

The evidence is clear, and the need is urgent. Reinstating housing priorities gives families the dignity and security they deserve. We can’t afford to wait any longer; too many lives are impacted every day. Please sign this petition to urge Governor Healey and the EOHLC to reconsider. Your support can help put families like mine back on the path to stability and hope. Together, we can push for a change that echoes far beyond our individual circumstances.