CLEVELAND -- There's new help available for tens of thousands of Ohioans who are facing foreclosure.

Last year, there were 83,000 new foreclosure court filings in Ohio, and now state leaders have announced a first of its kind program to help families trying to save their homes.

For Martha and Richard Wilson, the American dream of owning their Warrensville home turned into a nightmare.

Because of illness, a loss of income and a bad loan, the Wilsons were on the verge of losing their home after 30 years, like thousands of struggling Ohio homeowners facing foreclosure.

"It has been a dark experience because we worked hard to achieve our dream," said Martha Wilson.

Gov. Ted Strickland and state leaders announced a new program called Save The Dream.

"The Save the Dream program will provide a legal lifeline for thousands of Ohioans whose homes are in foreclosure," said Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann.

The legal lifeline is more than 1,100 Ohio attorneys who have volunteered to give legal services free of charge to homeowners facing foreclosure.

"I see the foreclosure crisis that's hitting our country right now as the legal issue of our generation," said attorney Diane Citrino.

"Empty houses attract vandals and drug dealers, property values decline, cities spend more for police and courts are overwhelmed with new business," Dann said.

Free legal assistance saved the Wilsons' home and restored their dreams.

Homeowners looking for help can call the Save the Dream hot line at 888-404-4674.