KWRU's Galen Tyler spoke for KWRU and Tim Dowlin spoke for PA PPEHRC in Harrisburg, PA at the Capitol Building on Tuesday, September 22nd as a part of the People's Caravan at March and Rally.
Creating prayer vigils, prayer meetings (Rev. Reff at Wayman AME and Rev. Denise Dunbar-Perkins, from Westminister) and other ways to support the women and connect people of faith with the campaign to stop foreclosures and evictions
Worship materials (theological reflection, prayers, sermon—Table Scraps or the One Whole Loaf by Rev. McGrail
Articles : Sojourner Magazine article by Mark Van Steenwyk (Mennonite pastor)
Attending meeting with different coalition groups
Join marches and speak-outs with MN Poor People’s Economic and Human Rights Campaign or MN Coalition for a People’s Bailout on the issues including asking the Mayor for a Foreclosure Moratorium
Other ideas for churches:
Assist in fundraising for women so they can hold onto their homes or buy them back
Adult Education Forum on the foreclosure crisis---with coalition folk or the women
Needs
Financial support for web developer and website; setting up group list
Budget for office supplies for printing and photocopying,
Mileage & phone
$$$ for organizing time with women, coalitions, & faith communities
Coordinating the Clergy and Laity Group (emails, meetings)
"Pittsburgh Welcomes the World" was the slogan of the G-20's host city the past week and it could be seen on shirts and billboards and in the papers, but for the largest demonstration in the city since the 1970's the voices of the poor and oppressed were severely limited.
A number of delegations of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC) descended on Pittsburgh from across the nation along with many other organizations to protest the G-20 and attempt to get issues that really matter to people on the docket. PPEHRC National Organizer Cheri Honkala brought an open letter from the Balducci Center in Italy, written to President Obama asking why in a nation as rich as the United States of America millions did not have health care and will continue to seek ways to get it into his hands. The poor can not afford not to have their voices heard at events like this, where, without making themselves seen, they are invisible and undiscussed.
A speak out on the issues of housing, jobs and health care preceded the showing of the movie Explicit Ills which deals with health care in poor people's lives. PPEHRC delegates stayed in a tent city set up on the grounds of Monumental Baptist Church, where on Friday morning leaders of the campaign gave a press conference before preparing for the peaceful people's march through downtown Pittsburgh. The march stopped on the 7th street bridge looking out at the G-20 conference uplifting their voices toward the G-20 summit before finishing their march. Shortly thereafter police arrived to disperse the marchers from the park.
Press Coverage: Mostly the coverage is of thursday nights' demonstrations and police brutality on campuses.
By The Tribune-Review Saturday, September 26, 2009
Wearing a Pirates' ballcap, Bob Ross of Lawrenceville eyed the phalanx of riot police and officers on horseback who surrounded the crowd Friday in front of the City-County Building, Downtown.
His sign said "Yinz live in a police state." He said he opposed the Group of 20 world leaders meeting at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
"But I can't blame the G-20 for the Pirates," he said. "I blame the owners."
The big demonstration on the final day of the economic summit brought thousands of protesters with countless causes. They walked from Oakland through Downtown to the North Side in a peaceful march that ended with three arrests.
Hours later, police clashed with protesters in Oakland, where more than 60 people were arrested during violent demonstrations the night before.
Hundreds of people gathered in Schenley Park last night in a protest against what they called police brutality. It was unclear how many were protestors and how many were onlookers from the University of Pittsburgh.
Police fired at least one can of OC vapor -- similar to pepper spray -- just before 11 p.m. near the intersection of Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard to help break up the crowd.
"This is a rally against police brutality," said Tom Judd, 24, of Rhode Island. "The police were very aggressive here (Thursday)."
Judd, a member of the Students for a Democratic Society, said he's been to numerous demonstrations and protests and has never seen "as heavy of a police presence as this. But the people of Pittsburgh have been really nice."
Hundreds of police dressed in riot gear lined the park shoulder-to-shoulder and assembled along Forbes Avenue before ordering the crowd to disperse.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who returned to his city hall office after spending the day with public safety officials Downtown watching the afternoon march, credited organizers for its smooth execution.
"To all the critics who suggested democracy is dead in Pittsburgh, we showed them it's not. We held onto our promise," Ravenstahl said.
Last night, city Public Safety Director Mike Huss said police arrested 83 people for G-20-related protests and estimated $50,000 worth of damage. Police attributed $20,000 of the damage to David Japenga, 20, of California, who is facing one felony and two misdemeanor charges.
Huss said all Downtown barricades and fences would be gone by tonight.
"It's been a long week and a lot of preparation, but the results are there," Huss said. "It's a proud day to be a Pittsburgher."
Police Chief Nate Harper said he would like to host another event like the G-20. "We're prepared to," he said. "Yes, if the opportunity arises."
Organizers of the People's March to the G-20 got permits for their rallies in Oakland and Downtown and attracted protesters from around the country.
"We want (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel and (President) Obama to step down and join the rest of the world in moving toward climate control," Sam Daly, 23, of Washington, D.C., said as he marched on Forbes Avenue in Oakland.
"I came here to end the war," said Sam Cross, a retired surgeon from Ford City. "I don't agree with much of what the speakers have been saying today, but I'm against the G-20, the international bankers and these wasteful wars."
Organizer Pete Shell said he was pleased "nothing major" snagged the march. During his address at the City-County Building, Shell said authorities cracked down this week on legal, peaceful demonstrations.
Yesterday's demonstration became the "People's March" only "because we fought for it," he said. Protest groups took the city to federal court before the summit to fight for march permits.
East Liberty environmental activist Casey Capitolo said that in the future, peaceful protest groups seeking permits will go to court earlier.
"We should, and we will, go to court and not to the Pittsburgh police's permit police," she said. "Next time will be different."
City leaders and police officials brought in thousands of extra officers and National Guard troops to protect the city during what federal officials dubbed a National Security Special Event.
"They had the opportunity to express their First Amendment rights and we had the opportunity to keep them safe while they did," city police Assistant Chief William Bochter said.
The march started before noon in Oakland as protesters walked to a rally outside Carlow University.
"We're dying for profits," said James Sims, 48, of Greensburg, one of dozens of members of Iraq Veterans Against the War who organized in front of Soldiers & Sailors Military Museum and Memorial. "Most Americans don't see that. Now they broke Iraq, and nobody wants to pay for it."
"I came to support our rights," said Rob Breen, 22, of the North Side, who walked with his dog, Mr. Gonzo. "This Group of 20 is meeting in secret and setting economic goals and strategies that affect us all, yet we play no role in the matter."
After hearing speakers and singers from the Raging Grannies, United Steelworkers of America and Free Tibet, marchers headed Downtown. Some in the crowd wanted more jobs for the poor. Others called for the end of war, and a few asked for the legalization of marijuana.
"Our purpose is to focus on the needs of the victims of the economic collapse," said Dee Smith, an organizer from New York City, who was among 100 people who joined the march from a rally at Freedom Corner in the Hill District. "The focus of the leaders of the G-20 has been bailing out the banks. They haven't put any money toward fixing foreclosures, joblessness or health care."
Police in riot gear lined the entire route. Downtown, sightseers snapped photos. One man yelled "Anarchist scum!" when the masked group walked by hoisting black flags.
A man who identified himself as Vermine Supreme, 50, of Baltimore shouted at police. "I know you are naked under your riot gear," he said, and then quoted passages from a military field manual about crowd control.
Some protesters chanted to police: "You're sexy. You're cute. Take off the riot suits."
Near the Macy's department store on Smithfield Street, protesters tossed fake green $100 bills inked in red -- they called it "proletarian ticker tape" -- toward shoppers.
Beverly Gaddy of Squirrel Hill marched while holding the hand of her daughter Helen Franz, 6, who wore a bandanna across her face.
"I'm well aware of the risks of having her here," Gaddy said. "We were in Lawrenceville yesterday. That's why she's wearing the bandanna today. She was told in school that police are your friends. She's scared of police now."
Speakers at the City-County Building challenged the crowd to stand up against oppression. Kate Goff, an organizer with Students for a Democratic Society, asked why students weren't "burning recruiting stations and smashing banks' windows every day until we depose institutions like the G-20."
"We have a responsibility to bury a system that's burying the people we love," Cheri Honkala, a Philadelphia activist with the People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, said in a fiery speech centered on eliminating poverty and implementing single-payer health care.
The crowd crossed the Warhol Bridge to East Park in the North Side, where activist Cindy Sheehan addressed the group.
"I was telling the cops, 'You're facing the wrong way,'" said Sheehan, an anti-war protester who gained notoriety for camping near then-President George W. Bush's Texas ranch after her son was killed in Iraq. "The wars were wrong under Bush, and they're still wrong under Obama."
A small group of people later went to the Allegheny County Jail to hold a vigil for incarcerated protesters. A jail official said eight demonstrators arrested Thursday remained in the lockup.
Vic Walczak, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, said the group provided legal observers at the protests but was not representing any of those arrested.
Poor and homeless members of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC) from across the United States are participating this week in Protests during the G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, including helping to organize a national Tent City, and participating in marches for jobs and health care and against the war. Following is an update sent by Reverend Bruce Wright, from The Refuge, a PPEHRC organization in St. Petersburg, Florida.
I am writing this letter from the G20 summit demonstrations on the site of the Tent City of the dedicated to the homeless, poor, and unemployed. We are here with a group of 10 from Florida. 7 of our group are homeless and unemployed. The rest are working poor. We arrived safely on Sunday, Sept. 20th.
We have been very busy since we arrived. We participated in a March for jobs on Sunday with more then 1200 in our march. Monday and Tuesday we participated in activities at our Tent City. On Tuesday, we participated in 2 marches on Tuesday. One march was for an end to Police Repression and harassment both at the G20 and also throughout our communities. There were testimonies of Police harassment at this event describing being detained for no reason, raiding people's camp sites, invasive Police presence in neighborhoods (shinning lights in people's homes at night, Police dogs barking, etc.), and in one case 45 Police in Riot gear attacking a community farm and destroying gardens that had vegetables that were used to feed the demonstrators. And, in one case a group was detained trying to come to our camp site with Bail Out People.
In addition, to this protest, Bail Out People and the PPEHRC organized a march and demonstration on Mellon Bank, one of the largest banks in Pennsylvania. It was known for predatory lending and foreclosures. We had several people from our group speak at this demonstration and the march on Sunday and participate in a press conference, including myself. Today, is going to be a full day of teach-ins, demos, and film showings.
We expect Police repression to intensify. There are 2000 National Guard troops here, as well as armored vehicles and several Blackhawk and Apache helicopters here. You can, at times, feel the tension. It seem crazy to have such overkill in a Militarized presence. It is being locked down like a Police state.
In closing, please expect more updates. For more information see www.refugestpete.org or www.economichumanrights.org. Poor and homeless families from PPEHRC from other parts of the U.S. will be joining us tomorrow.
Thank you, Rev. Bruce Wright The Refuge, St. Petersburg, Florida Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC)
From Glass Bead Collective: Rosemary Williams and four other Minnesota women have decided to resist the foreclosure and eviction monster that's destroying our communities. People from the Twin Cities are helping these women defy eviction, the Hennepin County Sheriff, and the big banks that want to steal their homes. Produced by Twin Cities Indymedia http://tc.indymedia.org and the Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign http://economichumanrights.org
Rosemary Williams outside her foreclosed home in Minneapolis. (Christopher Loren Thompson/ Planet Money Flickr pool)
Listener Christopher Thompson sends these powerful photographs taken outside the foreclosed home of Rosemary Williams, a Minneapolis woman who for months has refused to leave her property. Seven protesters were arrested outside the home over the weekend for breaking through plastic police tape roping it off. Minnesota Public Radio reports:
Williams has been fighting eviction for months. GMAC said in a statement that it has attempted to negotiate several arrangements that would have allowed Williams to remain in her home, but they all fell through.
Williams was ordered to leave her property on Aug. 7, when Hennepin County sheriff's deputies served the eviction notice and changed the locks on her house. But a group of her supporters broke the locks and have been occupying the home ever since, vowing to stay despite the order.
"We intend to protest this," said activist Mick Kelly this afternoon. "Our goal is to get justice for Rosemary, to allow Rosemary to stay in her home."
Williams accepted a $5,000 check from GMAC this afternoon, but has not yet decided whether to cash it. A GMAC spokesperson said the company provided the money to help Williams relocate to a new residence.
Foreclosure filings last month were down less than 1 percent from July. According to RealtyTrac, there were 358,471 foreclosure filings nationally.
GMAC Mortgage went to extraordinary lengths to help keep Rosemary Williams, who was evicted on Friday after a foreclosure, in her home, according to the company. Among the steps taken: offering to lease the house back to Williams for $850 per month, multiple loan-modification offers that would have reduced her monthly payment by up to 30 percent and an offer to sell the house back to her for less than half of what was owed on the mortgage.
When none of those offers were accepted, GMAC took steps to have Williams removed from the property. The company gave her a check for $5,000 to help with relocation costs.
“GMAC Mortgage sincerely sympathizes with Rosemary Williams and the financial difficulties she is facing,” said Jeannine Bruin, executive director of GMAC Mortgage Communications, in a statement. “Friday’s actions were very difficult, and a regrettable end to 18 months of seeking a solution with Ms. Williams, with local non-profits and with the mortgage investor to keep her in the home on Clinton Avenue. Unfortunately, Ms. Williams was chronically unable to meet her payment commitments under the adjustable rate mortgage she originated with BNC Mortgage, Inc.
Here’s the entire statement from Bruin:
GMAC Mortgage sincerely sympathizes with Rosemary Williams and the financial difficulties she is facing. Friday’s actions were very difficult, and a regrettable end to 18 months of seeking a solution with Ms. Williams, with local non-profits and with the mortgage investor to keep her in the home on Clinton Avenue.
Unfortunately, Ms. Williams was chronically unable to meet her payment commitments under the adjustable rate mortgage she originated with BNC Mortgage, Inc.
Since December 2007, we have repeatedly extended options to Ms. Williams to reach an affordable, reasonable payment solution, while balancing our contractual obligations to the mortgage servicer and mortgage investor, Aurora Services and Lehman Brothers Holdings, respectively.
Our efforts included:
o Multiple loan modification offers to reduce her monthly payment by 30% and fix her interest rate. o Two offers to purchase the property for as low as 48% of her unpaid mortgage balance. o Two offers to lease the property for $850 per month, a 60% reduction in her monthly payment. One offer included a purchase option at 48% of her unpaid mortgage balance. o Three offers of cash relocation assistance of $5,000, including a check payable to Rosemary Williams that was given to her Friday. o Two rounds of negotiations with local non-profits to reach a purchase and lease agreement on Ms. Williams’ behalf.
As custodian of the property at 3138 Clinton Avenue, we were concerned about the breach of security and its potential impact on public safety and the integrity of the property. At our request, local authorities are enforcing the writ of eviction served on August 7 and removing all trespassers from the property, both now and in the future.
We stand by our actions knowing that we have consistently acted in good faith to find a solution for Ms. Williams, and have repeatedly tried to ensure that she has funding sufficient to secure temporary housing.
Flowers welcome at Rosemary's Boarded-up Home as memorial
Teachers/parents/children/everyone encouraged to pick flowers from community gardens or your own and drape them over her fence along with cards and messages of support, grief, outrage, encouragement, congratulations on her stand, etc. Spread the word!
Wednesday, September 16th Barbara Byrd's Eviction Court Hearing at 1pm-Room number will come with listserve update on Monday Room Hennepin County Court House, 300 South 6th Street, room 1453 Barbara is one of five Twin Cities women refusing to leave their homes. She was served her eviction summons in July and needs our support!! She has lived in her neighborhood in Brooklyn Park for 10 years. JOIN US IN COURT!
Friday, September 18th, 11-noon on KFAI, 90.3 FM Tune in to a live update on the Minnesota Five with Rosemary Williams, Linda Norenberg, Barbara Byrd, Ann Patterson and me on Catalyst at 11am and then continuing back-to-back on Don Olson's show at 11:30am.
Friday, September 18th, 6pm in Robbinsdale Linda Norenberg's FUNRaising Italian dinner and bonfire with drumming Linda Norenberg, represented by Kelly McCormack, is filing a motion to contest her eviction based on Citibank's not having met the rules of MN statute 580. It will cost $400 to file this motion, so come on out to Linda's family home! Plenty of rhythm instruments provided. If you play winds or strings, BRING 'EM ON! 2750 McNair Drive Phone: 763-529-3571 Why not bring things to sell? Winter clothing, household items, objects of art...whatever you don't need- and think others might want- will be set out [but PLEASE take your items home with you if unsold]. Email a reply if you need a ride-cars will leave from in front of Rosemary's at 5:30pm. Saturday, September 19th all-day forum at Sabathani-raise the call for a MORATORIUM! KFAI is hosting a conference at Sabathani Community Center focusing on issues surrounding the housing & mortgage foreclosure crisis in the Twin Cities. Everyone is invited to participate in this free event, designed to look at the current challenges and create action plans towards solutions. Snacks and lunch provded. The MN Coalition for a People's Bailout is presenting, and MN PPEHRC will have a table. Come and share your experiences with an audience that may not as yet faced the reality of the banks' lack of integrity and the paralysis of institutions, most organizations and agencies mandated to respond to the crisis. In interested, you may call KFAI or register online: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=tDjIqMfPjx5xep8mgw1aAA_3d_3d ************************************************************************************************** For questions on any of the above, contact Linden at 612-296-5649 or Lynette at 651-497-4644.
BICYCLISTS: you'll love the ride up through Wirth Park.
CHANGERS: Chattanoogans and North Georgians for Economic Human Rights
URGENT: Media Release
The Second Annual March for Our Lives Friday, October 2, beginning 5 pm at UTC (McCallie Avenue and University Street intersection)
We will march through downtown and end at Miller Park for free food & music.
We are marching for a living wage, affordable housing and health care and the end to unjust poverty.
Who’s invited: everyone!
Contact: Brother Ron Fender, 423-756-4222, Chattanooga Community Kitchen Download Flyer
CHANGERS is the local arm of the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, an international movement working to abolish poverty through the promotion of economic human rights as named in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as Articles 23, 25, and 26. These articles state our right to such provisions as housing, health care, a living wage job, and education. The founding creed of the United States of America, which asserts our rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, inspired the formulation of these human rights. Our government signed the UDHR in 1948; its full implementation would mean that our country would be living out the true meaning of its creed. This American Dream is possible because our country is the richest and most powerful in the world.
Poverty is a violation of our human rights. We accept anyone or any organization into this Campaign that unites with these principles.
Starts 10am, Eureka- 14th and Summer, next to Food For People: March together through neighborhoods and to Highland Park for a noon picnic, an open speak out, listening and gathering to share and to confront all aspects of poverty. People For a Human Rights Sanctuary? We're a group of very concerned, active, and local residents who have united to address consistently ignored issues of poverty, of certain chronic suffering, and oppression of homeless people- that requires greater focus by everyone. Each day harassed, and with another pending nightfall... the necessity to rest, to sleep... and with no sanctuary.
International Treaties, the U.S. Constitution, courts at every level in this country have established the obvious- that sleep is a human necessity. Also, they've established that depriving someone of sleep is cruelty. However, local police, judges, and the public continue to treat homeless people who must live and sleep in public as if they're committing crimes. In the rare instance that a homeless person has support to challenge, in the local courts, “criminal charges” of sleeping, he or she wins or the case is dismissed.
The public's belief that homeless people are living outside of the law hardens personal prejudice and adds more conflict to a people already facing painful and critical situations. Homelessness growing, no relief in sight, all of us facing deeper economic woes, lost jobs, state budget cuts, etc.
The illegality of local police and government practices against homeless people is never mentioned in the media nor talked about by officials. It is imperative that all of us who know the truth help bring it to others now, so that these practices of harassment, threatening arrest, physical abuse, and confiscating peoples' personal property ceases. Such practices cause great stress and injury and allow prejudice to grow. Criminalizing of homeless people must stop.
We have plans to create a well organized and well maintained camp, a human rights sanctuary, with and for homeless people- a prototype for other sanctuaries that may follow. This will take skills and effort from people from all walks of life. We are also being advised by competent legal support. Communities in other cities are busy following this same course.
Tell everyone you know about the March on September 12th . We are open to and encouraged by more folks who would like to share ideas or get involved in any way. PEOPLE FOR A HUMAN RIGHTS SANCTUARY (707) 442-7465, 444-3155 peopleforahumanrightssanctuary@gmail.com
Thirty-five days into the popular occupation of 3138 Clinton, Rosemary Williams (one of five Minnesota women publicly resisting eviction - TCIMC/PPEHRC video) was inside her home when it was raided by the Minneapolis Police Department around 2:45pm Friday afternoon. Three supporters were inside. Police claimed they would give ample time to move out remaining belongings, and those inside did so, aided by several dozen who rallied to the scene.
But later in the afternoon, the MPD's plan for a quiet, obedient eviction was foiled. After rallying the crowd, a handful of activists crossed the yellow tape roping off Clinton Avenue on either side of the house and were promptly assaulted by the police with kicks and pepper spray. Other supporters crossed the now-removed yellow tape from the opposite direction to ensure the activists' safety. Officers responded aggressively; one shoved someone to the ground with a two-handed shove to the chest. A TC Indymedia volunteer was sprayed directly in the face while on the "public" side of the police tape.
Four or five people sat down in front of the house in an act of civil disobedience. An officer pointed to another man standing motionless with the crowd outside the police cordon, grabbed him and arrested him. Eventually, seven were taken waiting vans in the alley and arrested. An MPD spokesman said they were charged with obstruction of legal process, though they have not actually been formally charged as of tonight. This video (1:50) shows the police conduct during the civil disobedience.
Related video: Before the arrests
Upcoming: Saturday 10am Leaflet at 7th/Hennepin outside Obama event | Sunday 2pm Press conference outside Rosemary's house
Have videos, photos, or updates? Post them as a comment or publish to the newswire.
At the time of the raid, occupants of the house were preparing for a two-year-old's birthday party. The party was moved to a nearby home. MPD spokesman Jesse Garcia later lied in front of reporters by denying that the child's party had been disrupted.
Garcia was later heard saying into his cell phone what sounded like, "we look like the bad guy." Certainly, any prospect of the MPD appearing benevolent disappeared as afternoon turned into evening. Although one or two officers were reportedly helpful - as helpful as one can be while evicting a 55-year block resident - during the process, most were unsurprisingly rude with neighbors and supporters as well as disrespectful to Rosemary's belongings.
A man and woman from the MPD crime lab were inside the police lines, taking video and photo of activists. For a significant time they refused to identify themselves, but eventually gave their badge numbers after extended jeers from the crowd.
As police milled about, outraged activists and many immediate neighbors joined in chanting, "Who's house? Rosemary's house," "Housing is a human right! Eviction is a crime" and "Let Rosemary stay!"
The building was boarded - or, more accurately, the windows were sealed shut by unfamiliar sheets of durable metal - by workers from Vacant Property Security of Chicago, Illinois (where the Cook County Sheriff has boldly declared a moratorium on foreclosure evictions). The special materials are supposedly designed to make breaking in more difficult. They were also used on the second story windows; the city of Minneapolis typically only boards the first-floor windows of vacant buildings.
According to City Council member Elizabeth Glidden, who has offered tepid support for Rosemary throughout her struggle, private security has been hired by mortgage company GMAC to patrol the property, and the MPD will not pay it special attention. A man wearing a private security uniform arrived on the scene as police and protestors prepared to leave, and spoke with an officer. He refused to identify himself or his company, or say whether his company was the one hired to patrol.
Glidden said the police action "makes no sense," and was saddened by the scene Friday. She says she "scoured what she could do" and "tried to be a personal advocate for Rosemary," though some supporters have questioned her commitment to seeing Rosemary keep her home no matter the method. She refused to condemn the MPD, saying they were "caught in the middle." Notably absent from the scene of the raid, however, were any other seated politicians, including mayor RT Rybak.
A FOX 9 TV cameraman arrived, though other TV stations were notably absent. The day's corporate news was instead dominated by the 9/11 anniversary, a pending Barack Obama visit to Minneapolis, and the funeral of a North St. Paul police officer killed on Monday while responding to a domestic violence incident (the suspect was himself shot and killed by a fellow officer). Print, radio and independent media flocked to the scene, however, including a German reporter on assignment from the Washington Post who had been in Minneapolis to cover the occupation
Just before 5pm, Rosemary emerged for the first time from inside her house, holding a bouquet of flowers in the air to applause from the crowd, which began to chant, "It's not over yet!"
Soon thereafter the civil disobedience and arrests began. As the arrested activists - some going limp - were dragged to the alley away from the crowd and most media, many began call-and-response chants with the gathered suporters. Those who had been pepper sprayed directly had their eyes washed out with water. People berated the police for their rough treatment of the arrestees.
Ironically, the MPD dragged at least one arrestee through Rosemary's house, out of view, to the backyard to be loaded into the booking van.
Shortly after the action subsided, one officer's arm was being bandaged with what looked like a small blood stain soaking through.
Rosemary Williams was not one of those arrested.
Later, others were allowed to continue moving out some belongings. After a long wait, around 8pm, the workers finished boarding and drove away, followed by most police officers. When it was all done, a crowd of about three dozen still remained.
A Small Sampling of Overheard Professional Remarks from the Minneapolis Police Department:
Officer I. Raichert, pointing to a legal observers' cap (NLG legal observers have traditionally worn the green caps for years): "So, is that leftover from the RNC?"
Unknown officer leaning from second story window, to a supporter in a neighbor's yard: "If you don't get out of the yard, we'll put a 45mm in your face."
Unknown officer when asked about his badge while leaving: "I'll take it off and we can figure this out aruond back, if you want." He refused to give his badge number.
A south Minneapolis woman who had refused to leave her foreclosed home after being evicted last month has been removed from the house again.
More than 40 supporters of Rosemary Williams on Friday afternoon lined the yellow tape that police used to cordon off the property, chanting and yelling as workers boarded up the house with metal sheeting and friends helped Williams carry out boxes of personal items.
"It's not over yet," Williams told the crowd when she emerged from the house, smiling through tears as she held high a bouquet of flowers.
The largely peaceful rally briefly turned physical when several protesters crossed the tape, leading to a short scuffle during which police pepper-sprayed several people and arrested half a dozen.
Williams, 60, has fought a months-long battle against foreclosure, drawing wide attention to the house on the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue.
Friends and housing-rights activists have staged a round-the-clock sit-in with her at the house since Aug. 7, when Hennepin County sheriff's deputies ordered her to leave and changed the locks. Soon after they left, a group of Williams' supporters broke in and reopened the house.
On Friday, Williams and several others were in the house at about 2:30 p.m., eating lunch and getting ready for her 2-year-old grandson's birthday party, when they heard a knock on the door.
Outside stood Minneapolis Chief Deputy Rob Allen and more than a dozen police officers. "It's a sad situation," but the courts have ruled that GMAC Mortgage owns the house, Allen said. "The bottom line is that the property owners have a right to ask us to remove trespassers who don't belong on the property."
A case of bad timing
Police brought along a Salvation Army worker to help Williams find housing, but she declined assistance, Allen said.
Williams said Friday that she planned to go to a friend's house for the night and hold the interrupted party.
"The timing was bad. We didn't know she was planning a birthday party," said Allen, who said the police action had been scheduled in coordination with GMAC at a time when officers were available. "We feel bad about that."
Police arrested seven people at the house Friday; they were booked for misdemeanor offenses such as obstructing the legal process, he said.
Friday's crowd included Linda Norenberg, who said she is one of several metro-area women fighting foreclosure, just as Williams has. Norenberg said she was supposed to be out of her Robbinsdale home at the end of July. "I could be next. I don't know," she said.
Williams' troubles began after she took out an adjustable-rate mortgage. Her monthly payments rose from $1,200 to $2,200 when the rate increased. She lost her job and stopped making payments. As a result, the house, which she built with her mother 26 years ago, went into foreclosure and was sold at auction last fall.
Ordered to leave by March 30, she refused. The new owner, GMAC, went to court to have her evicted.
A GMAC spokeswoman, who could not be reached for comment late Friday, said earlier this summer that the company "tried to pursue every reasonable alternative" to keep Williams in her home.
GMAC has made several offers in the past few weeks that Williams has not accepted, according to Linden Gawboy, a volunteer with the Minnesota Coalition for a People's Bailout who had been staying at the house. At one point, the mortgage company offered her $5,000 to walk away. Later, they said she could rent the house for a year, Gawboy said.
Williams said a GMAC representative who came to the house with police on Friday gave her a check for $5,000 -- "blood money," Gawboy said.
"It would benefit them, it would benefit her, if they would just renegotiate a sensible mortgage," she said.
Williams said she handed the check to a coalition volunteer. "Why wouldn't they put that $5,000 on the mortgage?" she asked.
Minneapolis police officers removed Rosemary Williams from the home that she owned for nearly three decades on Friday afternoon. The 60-year-old grandmother had vowed to stay in the residence on the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue even after the home went into foreclosure and sheriff’s deputies evicted her from the premises last month. Williams almost immediately re-entered the property and continued to live there.
Her plight has become a rallying point for activists seeking a moratorium on foreclosures and more assistance for struggling homeowners. As Williams’ belongings were removed from the residence by supporters, at least 50 people gathered on the surrounding sidewalks. They chanted “Housing is a human right, eviction is a crime,” and “Not one more empty home, not one more homeless family.”
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
Shortly before 5 p.m. Williams peacefully departed the house carrying a few belongings. She ducked under the yellow crime tape that surrounded the street in front of her former home.
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
She was embraced by supporters who have kept a near constant vigil at her home in recent months.
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
Protesters then attempted to occupy the property and skirmished with police officers. Pepper spray was deployed to disperse the crowd.
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
About a half dozen protesters succeeded in planting themselves on the grass in front of Williams’ former home.
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
They were restrained with plastic handcuffs and arrested by the cops. At least one woman had to literally be carried away by the cops.
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
This woman continuously shouted “Who’s house? Rosemary’s house,” while she was being arrested.
By 6 p.m., seven protesters had been arrested, according to a release by the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, which has supported Williams throughout the process.
Minneapolis — Police arrested seven people today outside the foreclosed home of Rosemary Williams, a Minneapolis woman who has publicly refused to leave the property for months.
About a dozen Minneapolis police officers arrived at the south Minneapolis home this afternoon, at the request of GMAC Mortgage, the legal owner of the property. A private company boarded up the house with bright metal sheeting, after officers allowed Williams and several supporters to remove personal belongings.
The arrests occurred after protesters broke through plastic police tape roping off the property and sat down on the sidewalk. Police sprayed the group with pepper spray as they broke through the tape.
The protesters will likely be charged with misdemeanors for obstructing the legal process, police officials said.
Williams' lengthy fight to remain in her house has inspired several local homeowners to remain in their homes despite eviction orders. Three women facing foreclosure arrived at the property today to show their support.
"What good is this?" said Linda Nurenberg, a Robbinsdale woman who has refused to leave the foreclosed home her father built in 1944. "Another vacant house, and of course I'm scared I could be next."
Nurenberg has a motion pending to fight eviction from her home. She said she attended a prayer vigil with Williams last night, and characterized Williams' mood as upbeat, and grateful for community support. Larger view Police board up Williams' home
About 50 supporters stayed at the property throughout the early evening, chanting, "Foreclose the banks, not people's homes. Let Rosemary stay."
Minneapolis police spokesperson Sgt. Jesse Garcia, who spent his morning at the funeral of slain North St. Paul police officer Richard Crittenden, said that the heavy metal materials used to board up the house were unusual. A vacant home across the street has been boarded up with simple wood slabs for months.
"They secured my house with military armament," Williams said.
Activists outside the house speculated that breaking through the metal barriers would be difficult, if not impossible. They declined to comment on whether more civil disobedience is planned.
Police officers plan to remain at the property at least overnight to prevent trespassing.
Williams has been fighting eviction for months. GMAC said in a statement that it has attempted to negotiate several arrangements that would have allowed Williams to remain in her home, but they all fell through.
Williams was ordered to leave her property on Aug. 7, when Hennepin County sheriff's deputies served the eviction notice and changed the locks on her house. But a group of her supporters broke the locks and have been occupying the home ever since, vowing to stay despite the order.
"We intend to protest this," said activist Mick Kelly this afternoon. "Our goal is to get justice for Rosemary, to allow Rosemary to stay in her home."
Williams accepted a $5,000 check from GMAC this afternoon, but has not yet decided whether to cash it. A GMAC spokesperson said the company provided the money to help Williams relocate to a new residence.
"Today's actions were very difficult, and a regrettable end to 18 months of seeking a solution with Ms. Williams, with local non-profits and with the mortgage investor to keep her in the home on Clinton Avenue," said GMAC officials in a statement. "Unfortunately, Ms. Williams was chronically unable to meet her payment commitments under the adjustable rate mortgage she originated with BNC Mortgage."
Williams, who recently started working as a home health care assistant, vowed to continue her fight to purchase the property. She also plans to hand out flyers protesting foreclosure at President Obama's rally in Minneapolis tomorrow.
But Friday night, Williams' concerns are more immediate. While she was trying to decide where to spend the night, she realized she left her antique sewing machine in the boarded up garage.
"Oh well, it happens," Williams said. "With everything that's been going on these last few months, you never know what to expect."
Six people were arrested today at Rosemary Williams home today during a raid by Minneapolis police. Police carried Rosemary's belongings onto her front lawn.
The police raid late this afternoon happened at the same time that a birthday party for Rosemary's young grandchild was to be held.
Rosemary and her family are among several members of the Minnesota PPEHRC who are actively resisting foreclosure of their homes in the Twin Cities.
Rosemary Williams' home is currently being raided by the Minneapolis Police Department. This is occurring as the Twin Cities prepares for President Obama's visit.
Although this raid is occurring late on a Friday afternoon on the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we will not let them hide this crime.
The Foreclosure 5 in the Twin Cities will soon be taking their struggle to Washington D.C.
Please contact the offices of President Obama and Minneapolis Mayor Rybak demanding a Moratorium on Foreclosures Now!
For more information, call Minnesota PPEHRC at 612-940-1040 or Lynette Malles at 651-497-4644.
Wednesday, September 16th Barbara Byrd's Eviction Court Hearing at 1pm-Room number will come with listserve update on Monday Room Hennepin County Court House, 300 South 6th Street Barbara is one of five Twin Cities women refusing to leave their homes. She was served her eviction summons in July and needs our support!! She has lived in her neighborhood in Brooklyn Park for 10 years. JOIN US IN COURT! *****NOTE: RESCHDULED-will not be held this Sat. Friday, September 18th 6pm in Robbinsdale Linda Norenberg's FUNRaising Italian dinner and bonfire with drumming Linda Norenberg, represented by Kelly McCormack, is filing a motion to contest her eviction based on Citibank's not having met the rules of MN statute 580. It will cost $400 to file this motion, so come on out to Linda's family home!
Plenty of ryhthm instruments provided. If you play winds or strings, BRING 'EM ON! 2750 McNair Drive Phone: 763-529-3571
Why not bring things to sell? Winter clothing, household items, objects of art...whatever you don't need- and think others might want- will be set out [but PLEASE take your items home with you if unsold]. Email a reply if you need a ride-cars will leave from in front of Rosemary's at 5:30pm.
BICYCLISTS: you'll love the ride up through Wirth Park.
*************************************************************************************************** Reminder: TONIGHT, Thursday the 10th at 7pm Don't miss the Save Our Homes Prayer Meeting with music at Wayman AME Church, 1221 7th Ave. North Minneapolis (North side of Olson Highway, past the library) Contact Lynette at 651-497-4644 (for directions, questions, etc.) of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign or the MN Coalition for a People's Bailout (612-822-8020).
Linda Norenberg, represented by Kelly McCormack, is filing a motion to contest her eviction based on Citibank's not having met the rules of MN statute 580. In Housing Court today, the judge scheduled another Citibank hearing for Friday, September 18th. If the court decides that Linda's motion is frivolous, Citibank will call for a writ of eviction on the 18th. However if there IS a basis for Linda's motion, Citibank's case will be suspended, and a new court date will be set for hearing Linda's motion.
It will cost $400 to file this motion, so come on out for Linda's fundraising dinner at her family home! Saturday, September 12th, 6pm start Join us for dinner and bonfire in Robbinsdale 2750 McNair Drive Phone: 763-529-3571
Why not bring things to sell? Winter clothing, household items, objects of art...whatever you don't need- and think others might want- will be set out [but PLEASE take your items home with you if unsold]. Email a reply if you need a ride-cars will leave from in front of Rosemary's at 5:30pm. BICYCLISTS: you'll love the ride up through Wirth Park.
Linda, one of five Twin Cities women refusing to leave their homes, was served her eviction summons last Friday. Join us in supporting Linda's fight to STAY IN HER HOME! Never underestimate the POWER of the PEOPLE!
REMINDER: Barbara Byrd's court date is September 16th at 1pm in Room 1453 in District court. More soon on her case.
*************************************************************************************************** Save our homes Prayer Meeting Thursday, September 10, 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to a Prayer Meeting to stop foreclosures and evictions (flyer attached for distribution) Wayman AME Church, 1221 7th Ave. North Minneapolis (North side of Olson Highway, past the library) Join Rosemary and supporters on September 10!
Sweet Hour of Prayer! Sweet Hour of Prayer! that calls me from a world of care.... Time to name the pain of losing our homes Time to lament, sing and pray Time to seek comfort and support Time to renew our strength for the battles ahead
Organized by the MN Clergy and Laity Against Foreclosures and Evictions, Wayman AME Church the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (612-821-2364) and the MN Coalition for a People's Bailout (612-822-8020).
Fair Valley Community is a mobile home park in Central PA. Recently, the land has been sold to Multi Ventures Inc. out of Baltimore who renamed the land Fair Valley L.P.. They contracted a company to "manage the land" or, more accurately,push the residents out.
Many of the residents of Fair Valley community were not given a fair deal for their homes. Most felt pressured into making agreements to sell their home for way under its value. Some were offered $500 for their homes when to estimated value would have been 8,000 - 15,000.
They have been paying taxes on what the property is worth.
They are told that if they do not leave with in this given time frame, their home will be destroyed. many of the Trailers are too old to be moved. If the trailer is new enough to move then the average cost to move a Mobile home is 7,000.
Fair Valley is home to many elderly folks who don't have the resources to move.
Charlie Graham, an 80 year old veteran,has lived at Fair Valley for 35 years. His mobile home is too old to move. They offered him $500 for the trailer. He has no where to go.
Eugene Livingston's trailer is in great condition, but its from 1969 and they said that is too old to move. He has no idea what him and his wife are going to do. He has been depressed since he found out that his home will be destroyed. even if they could move it, the estimated cost of moving a trailer cost $7,000.
David and Barbara Malone were told by the previous land owners a year ago to pay 2,000 to move their trailer 300 yards from an adjacent property to this trailer park. The same land owners turn around and sell the property they were just moved to. Now they are being told that it will cost 7,000 to move their trailer. They are both working, but still will not be able to come up with that kind of money in a couple months.
(From R to L)Natashia Euler, KWRU and PA-PPEHRC; Eugene Livingston, Fair Valley Mobile Home Community Resident; Cheri Honkala, PPEHRC; Deborah Roth-Rock, PA-PPEHRC and Fair Valley Mobile Home Community Resident. Deborah's home is to old to be moved. She has been advocating for the residents of Fair Valley to have more time and get fair options.
Tenants Are Forced To Leave Their Mobile Home Park Troy Martin Staff reporter
4:38 PM EDT, August 9, 2009 About 100 people live in the Fair Valley Mobile Home Court in York Township, York County. In July, tenants received a letter stating the trailer park was closing and they needed to move out to make way for new townhouses. Most of the tenants receive disability benefits, Social Security, or welfare and do not have the money to move or pay for another place.
"Shock and amazement that somebody could do this to another human being," said Jacquelyn Charlton, tenant.
Neighbors say the management group called Multi-Properties Incorporated has offered to buy their homes for a mere $500.00. The tenants say that's far below market value.
"Give us a break and give us what are place is worth," said Charles Graham, tenant.
"They have the law on their side, so we have to move out, we don't have a choice, but the rotten payment they want to give us of $500.00, that sucks," argued Eugene Livingston, tenant.
The management company has offered tenants $2,000.00 to move their homes, but most are too old to move. Debra Rothrock says it's not fair to be kicked out of her own home.
"I'm on disability, I don't have enough funding, I can't get loans to pay for the moving of my home, my home is to old for me to move, so I'm screwed, now I lost my home I don't have one now," said Rothrock.
FOX43'S calls to Multi-Properties Incorporated were not returned.
Tenants have until January 15, 2010 to move out of the mobile home park.
Fair Valley residents band together to stay put in York Twp. PETER MERGENTHALER The York Dispatch Posted: 09/09/2009 10:49:06 AM EDT
As the deadline to move out approaches for residents of Fair Valley Mobile Home Park in York Township, the neighborhood is banding together.
At a news conference Tuesday, Cheri Honkala, national organizer for the Philadelphia-based Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, said her organization is working with attorneys and outreach groups to extend Fair Valley residents' moving deadline and get more compensation for their homes.
"These residents matter," she said outside the York Township municipal building Tuesday afternoon. "They're human beings, and they should be treated like human beings."
Property owner Multi-Properties Inc. of Baltimore notified tenants in mid-July that they have until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 15 to move or Cheri Honkala, back to camera, national organizer for the Poor People s Economic Human Rights Campaign, stands outside the York Township municipal building during a protest Tuesday. (Peter Mergenthaler Photo) vacate their homes. The company has offered to refund two months' rent and $2,000 toward the cost of moving to another mobile home park if tenants agree to leave by Nov. 30.
Should residents decide to stay longer, they would be refunded two months' rent and receive $500 to turn over the title to their units.
Not enough: Though several Fair Valley residents have moved out since or are in the process of doing so, many of the remaining residents are bristling at the offer, which they say undervalues their homes.
Dave and Barb Malone, who relocated to Fair Valley about two years ago after an adjoining trailer park was closed, said their home has been assessed at more than $17,000. If they give it up, they should get far more than $500 in return, they said.
And moving the home -- even to another site in York County -- would cost thousands more than the $2,000 Multi-Properties has pledged to pitch in, Dave said.
"Where's the justice?" Barb said.
Multi-Properties Vice President Richard Hantgan said the money is an incentive to work cooperatively on exchanging the title and isn't meant to be considered an offer to purchase the trailers.
"The $500 wasn't an attempt to buy people out for a low amount," he said. "Seeking a title is a slow and arduous process. We have people who've abandoned their trailers and left town, and we didn't want to chase them."
'Screwed': Whatever the rationale, the money is small comfort to Charlie Graham, 81, who has lived in the neighborhood since his wife died 32 years ago.
"This is my home," he said. "We're getting screwed."
A Navy veteran of World War II, Graham has undergone a host of surgeries and other medical procedures since an accident in 1983, when he was struck by a vehicle while working on a used Chevrolet car lot.
Since then, he's had several knee replacements and operations on his neck and left foot. His son has offered to take him in at his home in the Poconos, but Graham said that would put him 24 miles from the nearest doctor, VFW or American Legion post.
In York County, "I can just get on the phone, and in five minutes," an ambulance arrives, he said.
Why, what's next: The company decided to close the park for a variety of reasons, Hantgan said. Revenue from tenants' rent isn't enough to cover some of the costs of owning the property and streets, and Hantgan said natural gas pipes throughout the park were in "terrible condition" when Multi-Properties acquired the neighborhood early this year.
"It's a process that we really inherited," he said.
Law requires the company to offer only 30 days' notice, and the company isn't forced to extend any financial assistance to residents, Hantgan said.
But by offering some money and connecting residents with area resources -- including communities for seniors and other mobile home parks in the county -- Multi-Properties is working to allay concerns, he said.
"We're trying to work with them. We're trying to give them time. We're providing financial contributions," he said. "It's above and beyond what's been required."
When the park is closed, Multi-Properties will begin moving toward some sort of for-rent or for-sale residential community. That process includes mounting a study of demand in the area and waiting for the real estate market to rebound, Hantgan said.
-- Reach Peter Mergenthaler at 505-5439 or pmer genthaler@yorkdispatch.com.
Mobile home park residents fight back Fair Valley Mobile Home Court residents have hired a group to help them get more time -- and maybe a better deal -- to move. By GREG GROSS For the Daily Record/Sunday News Updated: 09/08/2009 11:34:16 PM EDT
Some Fair Valley Mobile Home Court residents after fighting back after learning they are being evicted from their York Township trailer park.
"This is not how we treat our neighbors. This is not how we treat our elderly," said Cheri Honkala, a member of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, a Philadelphia-based group that fights for people living in poverty.
Residents and their supporters held a rally and news conference before the township commissioners meeting Tuesday night outside the township municipal building.
Honkala asked township official to hold a public hearing so commissioners can hear residents' stories. She also said lawyers are looking into the legality of the process used to evict the residents.
The park was sold recently to the Maryland development and property-management companies Multi-Properties Inc. and Multi-Ventures.
The park boasts 39 lots, 35 of which have homes on them. Honkala said about 100 people's lives are being disrupted because they are being forced to move.
About 30 residents and their supporters attended the meeting.
"All we want is more time," said Deb Rothrock, a park resident and campaign member.
A letter sent to park residents in July stated they would be given $2,000 to help cover the roughly $6,000 bill to move their homes. Residents also have the option to collect $500 if they choose to leave their trailers at the park when they move.
Residents must leave by Jan. 15.
However, many of the trailers are too old to be moved, Honkala said, and some would likely be destroyed if they were hauled.
During the rally, one resident pleaded for help from anyone with a truck who can help him move his home and belongings.
Justin Watkins, a youth pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Millersville, said he has created a Facebook page to garner support for the residents.
"For a people of faith, this is not right," Watkins said. "This is unjust. People don't treat people like this."
If you go
What: A "reality tour" of the Fair Valley Mobile Home Court
Friday, September 4th Linda Norenberg's Eviction Court Hearing opens at 8:45am!!! LET'S PACK THE COURTROOM! at Hennepin County Court House C3, 300 South 6th Street
Linda is one of five Twin Cities women refusing to leave their homes. She was served her eviction summons last Friday. Listen to KFAI 11am-noon, Wed. Sept. 2nd. for Andy Driscoll's Foreclosure Crisis program on Truth To Tell for details. In 1944 Linda's father built the home in Robbinsdale where she grew up. Moving away to raise her family, she returned to buy the home in 1997 after her father died. Always a pillar of her community, she currently is employed and gearing up for the FIGHT TO STAY IN HER HOME!
Thursday, September 3rd Here's the Rosemary Williams action for this week, unless something UNEXPECTED happens before then! Bannering on Lake Street Stop Foreclosures and Evictions: Save Rosemary's Home! Thursday, Sept. 3rd, 4:30 to 5:30 Corner of Clinton Ave & Lake St., then on to Rosemary William's home at 3138 Clinton for some soup and solidarity.
Rosemary Williams has been fighting against foreclosure and evictions on every level, always noting that she has not been fighting just for herself but others in the same situation (like Linda's) On Aug. 7, sheriffs tried to evict Rosemary, but the house was quickly reopened and our ongoing 24-hour vigil began.
* Wednesday, September 2nd At 1pm please join us in helping Donna Fletcher move her possessions into storage.... 3145 Clinton Ave. S., Apt. A, across the street from Rosemary's. With enough people, it should take under an hour. Support the MOVEMENT!
For further information, contact the Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign (Lynette at 651-645-2195) and the MN Coalition for a People's Bailout (612-822-8020)
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