Monday, April 26, 2010
Recruiting the Homeless in Birmingham
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On April 21, 2010 the March to Fulfill the dream visited the Church of the Reconciler in downtown Birmingham and spoke to an audience of homeless people. Several folks engaged us with interest in joining our campaign and a desire to come to the U.S. Social Forum in Detroit.
At the church of the reconciler we met Titus Battle, a homeless man.
Labels: birminghham, Cheri Honkala, church of the reconciler, March to Fulfull the Dream, Rosemary Williams, USSF 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tues, Feb 23rd: Homelessness Marathon Begins at 7PM
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BROADCAST TO ASK, "WHY NOT END HOMELESSNESS NOW?"
13th Annual Homelessness Marathon begins 7 p.m., EST, Tues. Feb 23rd
and run for 14 hours until 9 a.m., EST, Wed. Feb. 24th
"We have a mindset in this country that homelessness is a problem that can wait," comments Jeremy Weir Alderson, founder of the Homelessness Marathon, "but it's a dire emergency for the people who are homeless, a drain on our economy, and a stain on our national honor. We ought to solve this problem, and we could if we would only turn our attention to it."
The Homelessness Marathon will address the problem of homelessness by speaking directly with homeless people, who will give their first-hand testimony on how they became homeless and the obstacles they face before they can be housed again.
Hundreds of homeless people will be brought by bus (in rotating shifts) so that they can participate in this event and speak directly to the nation. They will be brought by shelters, advocacy groups, and grass roots organizations formed by homeless people themselves.
The broadcast will feature, as well, such speakers as Senator Carl Levin; Ron Gettlefinger, president of the United Auto Workers; and two of America's most outstanding anti-poverty advocates, Cheri Honkala, director of the Poor Peoples' Economic Human Rights Campaign and Paul Boden, director of the Western Regional Advocacy Project.
Prominent advocates from Detroit will participate, including Rev. Faith Fowler, director of Cass Community Social Services and Maureen Taylor, the state chairperson of Michigan Welfare Rights Organization.
Experts from elsewhere in the country will also participate, including Kathleen Johnson, director of Katrina Relief in Mississippi and Mike Rhodes, editor of the Community Alliance newspaper in Fresno, California, arguably, the cruelest city in America towards its homeless citizens.
The broadcast will originate from 12025 Woodrow Wilson St., a "green gym" recently opened by Cass Community Social Services for the use of its homeless clients. Detroit area radio stations participating in the broadcast will include, WHFR in Dearborn, the broadcast's host station; WHPR in Highland Park and CJAM in Windsor, Ontario.
The Homelessness Marathon is a consciousness-raising not a fund-raising broadcast. There will be no on-air solicitations.
More information about the broadcast can be found at: http://www.homelessnessmarathon.org.
Acclaim for the broadcast can be found at:
http://homelessnessmarathon.org/2008/2009/thank-yous-acclaim.html
To donate to the Homelessness Marathon go to:
https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=8154
13th Annual Homelessness Marathon begins 7 p.m., EST, Tues. Feb 23rd
and run for 14 hours until 9 a.m., EST, Wed. Feb. 24th
"We have a mindset in this country that homelessness is a problem that can wait," comments Jeremy Weir Alderson, founder of the Homelessness Marathon, "but it's a dire emergency for the people who are homeless, a drain on our economy, and a stain on our national honor. We ought to solve this problem, and we could if we would only turn our attention to it."
The Homelessness Marathon will address the problem of homelessness by speaking directly with homeless people, who will give their first-hand testimony on how they became homeless and the obstacles they face before they can be housed again.
Hundreds of homeless people will be brought by bus (in rotating shifts) so that they can participate in this event and speak directly to the nation. They will be brought by shelters, advocacy groups, and grass roots organizations formed by homeless people themselves.
The broadcast will feature, as well, such speakers as Senator Carl Levin; Ron Gettlefinger, president of the United Auto Workers; and two of America's most outstanding anti-poverty advocates, Cheri Honkala, director of the Poor Peoples' Economic Human Rights Campaign and Paul Boden, director of the Western Regional Advocacy Project.
Prominent advocates from Detroit will participate, including Rev. Faith Fowler, director of Cass Community Social Services and Maureen Taylor, the state chairperson of Michigan Welfare Rights Organization.
Experts from elsewhere in the country will also participate, including Kathleen Johnson, director of Katrina Relief in Mississippi and Mike Rhodes, editor of the Community Alliance newspaper in Fresno, California, arguably, the cruelest city in America towards its homeless citizens.
The broadcast will originate from 12025 Woodrow Wilson St., a "green gym" recently opened by Cass Community Social Services for the use of its homeless clients. Detroit area radio stations participating in the broadcast will include, WHFR in Dearborn, the broadcast's host station; WHPR in Highland Park and CJAM in Windsor, Ontario.
The Homelessness Marathon is a consciousness-raising not a fund-raising broadcast. There will be no on-air solicitations.
More information about the broadcast can be found at: http://www.homelessnessmarathon.org.
Acclaim for the broadcast can be found at:
http://homelessnessmarathon.org/2008/2009/thank-yous-acclaim.html
To donate to the Homelessness Marathon go to:
https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=8154
Labels: Carl Levin, Cheri Honkala, Homelessness Marathon, Kathleen Johnson, Maureen Taylor, Mike Rhodes, MWRO, Paul Boden, PPEHRC, Rev. Faith Folwer, Ron Gettlefinger, WRAP
Sunday, February 21, 2010
California PPEHRC: Honkala to speak on March 9th at Natural High Music and Poetry event
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March 9 will be Poor Peoples Economic Human Rights Campaign Night at Natural High! What does that mean?
Along with a full evening of music and poetry, the special guest speaker will be Cheri Honkala, national director of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign. Cheri will give a report from the front lines about how people in every state are joining together to fight foreclosures and how artists everywhere are becoming part of the struggle.
Timeka Drew of Natural High will explain her revolutionary concept of "Social Capital" and break down how it can empower artists to change the world.
Come on out and get connected!
More info: timekadrew@gmail.com
Natural High
Tuesday
March 9
9 PM
Industry Cafe and Jazz
6039 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA
Hosts: Lady T and Talissa Love
donation requested
Along with a full evening of music and poetry, the special guest speaker will be Cheri Honkala, national director of the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign. Cheri will give a report from the front lines about how people in every state are joining together to fight foreclosures and how artists everywhere are becoming part of the struggle.
Timeka Drew of Natural High will explain her revolutionary concept of "Social Capital" and break down how it can empower artists to change the world.
Come on out and get connected!
More info: timekadrew@gmail.com
Natural High
Tuesday
March 9
9 PM
Industry Cafe and Jazz
6039 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA
Hosts: Lady T and Talissa Love
donation requested
Labels: CA PPEHRC, Cheri Honkala, Natural High, Timeka Drew
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Philadelphia Weekly: Fighting Against Foreclosures
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Homeowners take a radical stance on foreclosures.
By Daniel Denvir
Posted Feb. 16, 2010
Original Article: http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/Fighting-Against-Foreclosures.html
Kensington Welfare Rights Union Coordinator Galen Tyler was on the march in 2000.
Ray Sanchez is three months behind on his mortgage payments. The North Philadelphia native is confident that Bank of America, which took over his mortgage after subprime connoisseurs Countrywide Financial went south, will soon move to foreclose. But Sanchez isn’t looking for an apartment or thinking about crashing with friends—he’s not going anywhere.
“I couldn’t just give up all my hard work. The house is basically my dream come true,” says 30-year-old Sanchez, who was laid off last year after working four years at Home Depot. “I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do.“
Standing up to save his home, Sanchez has joined a movement of homeowners that are preparing to resist foreclosure—and face arrest if need be. The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign is currently reaching out to property owners across the city and linking them up with neighbors who are in a similar predicament so that they can resist en masse. If the police come to evict them, homeowners and community supporters will employ non-violent civil disobedience and refuse to leave the property.
The Campaign is a national organization that grew out of Philly’s Kensington Welfare Rights Union, whose housing takeovers and protests during the economic boom of the ’90s drew national attention to the plight of the working poor and homeless. With the foreclosure epidemic now dragging even middle-class families into crisis, Philadelphia is once again poised to become the epicenter for the radical housing rights movement.
“It’s like a finger in the dam,” says the Campaign’s executive director Cheri Honkala, discussing an expected surge of home foreclosures. “And it’s going to burst.”
The foreclosure crisis has already forced millions from their homes and brought the global economy to its knees. In January alone, 88,000 people had their homes repossessed, a 31 percent increase from last year. By this June, an estimated 5.1 million Americans are expected to be “underwater,” according to The New York Times, meaning they will owe more on their home than the property is worth.
Activists say Obama has gone soft on banks that refuse to modify loans, occasional tough talk notwithstanding. Now, the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign says grassroots action is the only option left.
“People always say ‘Cheri doesn’t work within the system,’” says Honkala. “Well, the system doesn’t work.”
Honkala, 47, has been an irritant to Philadelphia officials over the past decades. The brash and energetic founder of the Kensington Welfare Rights Union and Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign has led building takeovers and established tent cities full of the homeless and poor. After leaving the city for two years, the formerly homeless mother of two and longtime welfare recipient is back in town and busy organizing homeowners facing foreclosure—and she knows what she’s doing.
The Kensington Welfare Rights Union was founded in 1991 to protest for the rights of welfare recipients, demonized in the media as lazy welfare queens. Honkala and the organization were immortalized in Inquirer reporter David Zucchino’s 1997 book The Myth of the Welfare Queen .
The Union’s first action was to take over an abandoned welfare office at the corner of Front and York, which they turned into a community center—until police arrested them. Many arrests would follow: in houses, apartments, churches and at the Liberty Bell. Honkala says the Union has secured housing for hundreds of Philadelphia families, many of whom have also been arrested in protest actions. Honkala has been arrested over 80 times.
During the late ’70s Honkala became pregnant at age 16 after years bouncing around the Minnesota child welfare system. She and her 8-year-old ended up homeless and sleeping in her car until a drunk driver totaled it. Hearing that the government kept the heat on in publicly owned properties so the pipes wouldn’t freeze, she moved into an empty house owned by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. She was arrested so she moved in to another. And then another.
Honkala has spent the last two years organizing back in her native Twin Cities, helping five local women resist foreclosure and organizing raucous protests against the 2008 Republican National Convention. Having established a new Campaign chapter, she returned to Philadelphia in August and is working out of offices in a Fishtown Lutheran church.
Housing activism in Philly slowed down in her absence, and Honkala says the powers that be are not happy she’s back.
“When I came back to the city, I went down to the foreclosure court,” says a bemused Honkala. “They ID’d me and escorted me out.”
In an ironic twist, Honkala says the city offered her work as a housing counselor after hearing of her return, a job she unsurprisingly refused.
“She just got back into town. Let’s offer her money so she doesn’t do the crazy shit she does,” says Honkala, laughing as she imagines what people in City Hall must have been thinking.
Philadelphia has received accolades for its foreclosure prevention program, which has helped keep a number of homeowners off the street. But while she concedes the situation in Philly is slightly better than in most cities, Honkala is not impressed. “What Philly has done is put you on life support even though they’re eventually going to pull the plug.”
The political and legal climate to resist foreclosures couldn’t be better. For one, almost everyone hates the banks. Secondly, the courts seem to be coming around. Banks packaged mortgages into complex securities and sold them off during the housing bubble. It made them a lot of money in the short run, even though it eventually brought down the economy. But in their rush to make big money, many banks didn’t keep accurate records of property ownership, and courts have recently ruled that if a bank can’t definitively prove that it owns a home, it can’t foreclose on it.
By Daniel Denvir
Posted Feb. 16, 2010
Original Article: http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/Fighting-Against-Foreclosures.html
Kensington Welfare Rights Union Coordinator Galen Tyler was on the march in 2000.
Ray Sanchez is three months behind on his mortgage payments. The North Philadelphia native is confident that Bank of America, which took over his mortgage after subprime connoisseurs Countrywide Financial went south, will soon move to foreclose. But Sanchez isn’t looking for an apartment or thinking about crashing with friends—he’s not going anywhere.
“I couldn’t just give up all my hard work. The house is basically my dream come true,” says 30-year-old Sanchez, who was laid off last year after working four years at Home Depot. “I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do.“
Standing up to save his home, Sanchez has joined a movement of homeowners that are preparing to resist foreclosure—and face arrest if need be. The Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign is currently reaching out to property owners across the city and linking them up with neighbors who are in a similar predicament so that they can resist en masse. If the police come to evict them, homeowners and community supporters will employ non-violent civil disobedience and refuse to leave the property.
The Campaign is a national organization that grew out of Philly’s Kensington Welfare Rights Union, whose housing takeovers and protests during the economic boom of the ’90s drew national attention to the plight of the working poor and homeless. With the foreclosure epidemic now dragging even middle-class families into crisis, Philadelphia is once again poised to become the epicenter for the radical housing rights movement.
“It’s like a finger in the dam,” says the Campaign’s executive director Cheri Honkala, discussing an expected surge of home foreclosures. “And it’s going to burst.”
The foreclosure crisis has already forced millions from their homes and brought the global economy to its knees. In January alone, 88,000 people had their homes repossessed, a 31 percent increase from last year. By this June, an estimated 5.1 million Americans are expected to be “underwater,” according to The New York Times, meaning they will owe more on their home than the property is worth.
Activists say Obama has gone soft on banks that refuse to modify loans, occasional tough talk notwithstanding. Now, the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign says grassroots action is the only option left.
“People always say ‘Cheri doesn’t work within the system,’” says Honkala. “Well, the system doesn’t work.”
Honkala, 47, has been an irritant to Philadelphia officials over the past decades. The brash and energetic founder of the Kensington Welfare Rights Union and Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign has led building takeovers and established tent cities full of the homeless and poor. After leaving the city for two years, the formerly homeless mother of two and longtime welfare recipient is back in town and busy organizing homeowners facing foreclosure—and she knows what she’s doing.
The Kensington Welfare Rights Union was founded in 1991 to protest for the rights of welfare recipients, demonized in the media as lazy welfare queens. Honkala and the organization were immortalized in Inquirer reporter David Zucchino’s 1997 book The Myth of the Welfare Queen .
The Union’s first action was to take over an abandoned welfare office at the corner of Front and York, which they turned into a community center—until police arrested them. Many arrests would follow: in houses, apartments, churches and at the Liberty Bell. Honkala says the Union has secured housing for hundreds of Philadelphia families, many of whom have also been arrested in protest actions. Honkala has been arrested over 80 times.
During the late ’70s Honkala became pregnant at age 16 after years bouncing around the Minnesota child welfare system. She and her 8-year-old ended up homeless and sleeping in her car until a drunk driver totaled it. Hearing that the government kept the heat on in publicly owned properties so the pipes wouldn’t freeze, she moved into an empty house owned by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. She was arrested so she moved in to another. And then another.
Honkala has spent the last two years organizing back in her native Twin Cities, helping five local women resist foreclosure and organizing raucous protests against the 2008 Republican National Convention. Having established a new Campaign chapter, she returned to Philadelphia in August and is working out of offices in a Fishtown Lutheran church.
Housing activism in Philly slowed down in her absence, and Honkala says the powers that be are not happy she’s back.
“When I came back to the city, I went down to the foreclosure court,” says a bemused Honkala. “They ID’d me and escorted me out.”
In an ironic twist, Honkala says the city offered her work as a housing counselor after hearing of her return, a job she unsurprisingly refused.
“She just got back into town. Let’s offer her money so she doesn’t do the crazy shit she does,” says Honkala, laughing as she imagines what people in City Hall must have been thinking.
Philadelphia has received accolades for its foreclosure prevention program, which has helped keep a number of homeowners off the street. But while she concedes the situation in Philly is slightly better than in most cities, Honkala is not impressed. “What Philly has done is put you on life support even though they’re eventually going to pull the plug.”
The political and legal climate to resist foreclosures couldn’t be better. For one, almost everyone hates the banks. Secondly, the courts seem to be coming around. Banks packaged mortgages into complex securities and sold them off during the housing bubble. It made them a lot of money in the short run, even though it eventually brought down the economy. But in their rush to make big money, many banks didn’t keep accurate records of property ownership, and courts have recently ruled that if a bank can’t definitively prove that it owns a home, it can’t foreclose on it.
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Countrywide, Galen Tyler, KWRU, Obama, PPEHRC
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Philly Protesters Seize Street to Demand Housing Rights
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by Jeff Rousset | Philly Indymedia Center | 12.05.2009
Original Article: http://phillyimc.org/en/philly-protesters-seize-street-demand-housing-rights
Police watched as more than 100 people blocked a busy intersection at 6th and Market yesterday, near the Federal Building, to call attention to the nation's housing crisis.
Police watched as more than 100 people blocked a busy intersection at 6th and Market yesterday, near the Federal Building, to call attention to the nation's housing crisis. Speakers questioned national priorities, with President Obama sending 30,000 more soldiers to Afghanistan as thousands of Americans continue to be pushed into poverty and homelessness. The group, organized by Kensington Welfare Rights Union and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, demanded a moratorium on evictions, and vowed massive nationwide civil disobedience at the end of January if Obama has not taken adequate steps to address the housing issue.
Protesters gathered at the Federal Building at 11 am holding signs and banners, wearing colorful cardboard houses, beating drums in rhythm, and chanting “What do we want? Housing! When do we want it? Now!” Lead by about a dozen disabled individuals in wheelchairs, the group marched to the intersection of 6th and Market and picketed in a large circle, blockading the entire intersection, before converging on the south side of the intersection and blocking traffic across all of 6th Street. A number of people spoke to the gathered crowd, including two women whose homes were recently foreclosed.
“I was renting a home and received a letter stating my house was going up for foreclosure because the owner had not been paying his mortgage. A week later the sheriff was knocking on my door giving me five minutes to leave,” said Starleen Pringle, a longtime resident of Philadelphia.
Pringle said she was forced to immediately leave her home of three years, along with her nine year old daughter and seven year old son, even though she already paid full rent for the month.
“I wasn't even allowed to get school clothes for my daughter the next day,” said Pringle. “They said, 'If you touch or take anything we're gonna lock you up.'” She had to make an appointment to later return to her house and collect all her belongings under a sheriff's supervision.
“Every 15 seconds in this country someone's home is foreclosed!” announced Cheri Honkala, one of the rally organizers, and a national organizer for the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC). “We want to know what the government is going to do for these people!”
PPEHRC organized similar rallies across the country and demanded that the Obama administration make housing its top priority and increase the federal government's funding for affordable housing to the $83 billion dollar level it was at in 1978.
Honkala criticized the government for bailing out banks and corporations, and spending tens of billions of dollars to escalate war, while neglecting the swelling masses of Americans who are living in poverty and homelessness.
“Bail out the people, not the banks!” the group chanted in unison.
Another Philadelphia woman whose home was recently foreclosed spoke on the megaphone. “I'm homeless with my children,” she said with both her daughters, aged two and four, by her side. “I'm living in my car now. I want the government to get me a house so my kids don't get taken away from me by DHS.”
PPEHRC is demanding that Philadelphia immediately take measures to house its entire homeless population, which numbers around 4,000 people on any given day.
Last month dozens of people gathered at City Hall with the AIDS advocacy group ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) to pressure Mayor Nutter to provide housing for the 8,000 people living in Philadelphia with HIV/AIDS who do not have access to adequate housing, one of the worst records for AIDS housing in any American city. People who are disabled and/or living with diseases are particularly hard hit by the nation's lack of housing and health care.
As the economic crisis continues to strangle poor and working Americans, the numbers of homeless keep rising in Philadelphia and throughout the country. Meanwhile, many of the banks that received billions of dollars in federal taxpayer bailout funds are the same ones evicting people and taking their homes. The banks keep posting high and even record profits. The people keep paying the price.
PPEHRC and the Kensington Welfare Rights Union announced that if President Obama does not adequately address the housing crisis there will be massive civil disobedience planned at federal buildings across the nation at the end of January, including Philadelphia. The highly energized crowd seemed fearless and ready for this escalation, even with police officers watching closely.
As one of the speakers said to the crowd, “The war is not over there in Afghanistan. It's right here in America!” The nonviolent soldiers seemed determined to keep fighting for economic justice until all their demands are met, and everyone has access to adequate housing.
The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign is a national coalition of over a hundred groups building a multiracial movement to unite the poor and fight for economic justice and human rights. Their website is http://www.economichumanrights.org
The Kensington Welfare Rights Union, according to their website, is “a multiracial organization led by poor and homeless families organizing for Economic Human Rights in the poorest district of Pennsylvania.” Their website is http://www.kwru.org
Original Article: http://phillyimc.org/en/philly-protesters-seize-street-demand-housing-rights
Police watched as more than 100 people blocked a busy intersection at 6th and Market yesterday, near the Federal Building, to call attention to the nation's housing crisis.
Police watched as more than 100 people blocked a busy intersection at 6th and Market yesterday, near the Federal Building, to call attention to the nation's housing crisis. Speakers questioned national priorities, with President Obama sending 30,000 more soldiers to Afghanistan as thousands of Americans continue to be pushed into poverty and homelessness. The group, organized by Kensington Welfare Rights Union and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, demanded a moratorium on evictions, and vowed massive nationwide civil disobedience at the end of January if Obama has not taken adequate steps to address the housing issue.
Protesters gathered at the Federal Building at 11 am holding signs and banners, wearing colorful cardboard houses, beating drums in rhythm, and chanting “What do we want? Housing! When do we want it? Now!” Lead by about a dozen disabled individuals in wheelchairs, the group marched to the intersection of 6th and Market and picketed in a large circle, blockading the entire intersection, before converging on the south side of the intersection and blocking traffic across all of 6th Street. A number of people spoke to the gathered crowd, including two women whose homes were recently foreclosed.
“I was renting a home and received a letter stating my house was going up for foreclosure because the owner had not been paying his mortgage. A week later the sheriff was knocking on my door giving me five minutes to leave,” said Starleen Pringle, a longtime resident of Philadelphia.
Pringle said she was forced to immediately leave her home of three years, along with her nine year old daughter and seven year old son, even though she already paid full rent for the month.
“I wasn't even allowed to get school clothes for my daughter the next day,” said Pringle. “They said, 'If you touch or take anything we're gonna lock you up.'” She had to make an appointment to later return to her house and collect all her belongings under a sheriff's supervision.
“Every 15 seconds in this country someone's home is foreclosed!” announced Cheri Honkala, one of the rally organizers, and a national organizer for the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC). “We want to know what the government is going to do for these people!”
PPEHRC organized similar rallies across the country and demanded that the Obama administration make housing its top priority and increase the federal government's funding for affordable housing to the $83 billion dollar level it was at in 1978.
Honkala criticized the government for bailing out banks and corporations, and spending tens of billions of dollars to escalate war, while neglecting the swelling masses of Americans who are living in poverty and homelessness.
“Bail out the people, not the banks!” the group chanted in unison.
Another Philadelphia woman whose home was recently foreclosed spoke on the megaphone. “I'm homeless with my children,” she said with both her daughters, aged two and four, by her side. “I'm living in my car now. I want the government to get me a house so my kids don't get taken away from me by DHS.”
PPEHRC is demanding that Philadelphia immediately take measures to house its entire homeless population, which numbers around 4,000 people on any given day.
Last month dozens of people gathered at City Hall with the AIDS advocacy group ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) to pressure Mayor Nutter to provide housing for the 8,000 people living in Philadelphia with HIV/AIDS who do not have access to adequate housing, one of the worst records for AIDS housing in any American city. People who are disabled and/or living with diseases are particularly hard hit by the nation's lack of housing and health care.
As the economic crisis continues to strangle poor and working Americans, the numbers of homeless keep rising in Philadelphia and throughout the country. Meanwhile, many of the banks that received billions of dollars in federal taxpayer bailout funds are the same ones evicting people and taking their homes. The banks keep posting high and even record profits. The people keep paying the price.
PPEHRC and the Kensington Welfare Rights Union announced that if President Obama does not adequately address the housing crisis there will be massive civil disobedience planned at federal buildings across the nation at the end of January, including Philadelphia. The highly energized crowd seemed fearless and ready for this escalation, even with police officers watching closely.
As one of the speakers said to the crowd, “The war is not over there in Afghanistan. It's right here in America!” The nonviolent soldiers seemed determined to keep fighting for economic justice until all their demands are met, and everyone has access to adequate housing.
The Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign is a national coalition of over a hundred groups building a multiracial movement to unite the poor and fight for economic justice and human rights. Their website is http://www.economichumanrights.org
The Kensington Welfare Rights Union, according to their website, is “a multiracial organization led by poor and homeless families organizing for Economic Human Rights in the poorest district of Pennsylvania.” Their website is http://www.kwru.org
Labels: Affordable Housing, Cheri Honkala, Foreclosure, KWRU, Obama, Philadelphia, PPEHRC, Starleen Pringle
Friday, October 23, 2009
Philly Zero Evictions Rally: 12/3 at 11AM Federal Building (Download Flyer)
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PA Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign and Kensington Welfare Rights Union holding a "Zero Evictions Rally" at the Philadelphia Federal Building between 6th and 7th on Market St. on December 3rd at 11AM to demand money for families to stay in our homes and not for war.
Download the flyer: ZeroEvictions2009event.pdf
STOP FORECLOSURES! Homeowners need a moratorium to stop foreclosures now!
www.economichumanrights.org / Contact: Cheri 267-439-8419
Download the flyer: ZeroEvictions2009event.pdf
STOP FORECLOSURES! Homeowners need a moratorium to stop foreclosures now!
www.economichumanrights.org / Contact: Cheri 267-439-8419
Labels: Cheri Honkala, KWRU, PA PPEHRC, Philadelphia, Zero Eviction Day
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
York, PA: Economic Human Rights Violations in Fair Valley Community, a mobile home park
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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.
Read more at our previous post:
Human Rights Violations Happening in York, PA
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.
Read more at our previous post:
Human Rights Violations Happening in York, PA
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Deb Rothrock, Fair Valley Mobile Home Court, Justin Watkins, Multi-Properties Inc., Multi-Ventures, Natashia Euler, PA PPEHRC
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Update: G-20 Report Back from Rev. Bruce Wright
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Dear Friends and Supporters of the Refuge and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign,
Hello Everyone. It is now Monday, September 28th, 2009. It is 3 days after the last day of the G20 demonstrations and actions.
Our contingent from Florida arrived back in Florida on Saturday night. We were tired, but encouraged and excited about what happened there. For more than 5 days and encampment of the poor, the homeless, the unemployed and their supporters camped out at Monumental Baptist Church, on their grounds in of the poorest, historical African American Districts called the Hill District in Pittsburgh, PA. We participated in the March for Jobs on the 20th with more than 1000 people,including PPEHRC, the Refuge, Bail Out the People, several Unions and others. We had to opportunity to speak at this event and talk about how movements to end poverty must be informed and led by those effected by it. We had workshops on ending poverty, worker rights, unions, and global issues. We viewed several films, including "Explicit Ills", which talked about healthcare and poverty with PPEHRC and a protest as the back drop. We did a speak out on ending Police Repression, and one about Healthcare. We had a March on Mellon Bank in the middle of the day on Wednesday and managed to get serious attention and disrupt traffic. At this March, we spoke of Predatory lending, foreclosures, and the housing crisis.
We also participated in several large Marches, including a large March on Thursday that was unpermitted. The authorities claim we had only 500 people, but it was more like 3000 to 4000. It was at this event, the Police Repression was the greatest, though throughout the week the Police harassed by Flying helicopters overhead at all hours, sending Police by in their Patrol cars, randomly stopping people and asking for their ID's for no apparent reason, in one case we were visited by Secret Service. At first, we thought they were there for a funeral the Church was having, but when I discovered they were Secret Service, I went up and talked with them and took a picture of them. I got more than 80 pictures at this event this week. So, we have lots of footage. During the unpermitted march on Thursday, the Police used tear gas in a residential neighborhood effecting both protesters and residents, including children. They used tear gas on the University of Pittsburgh campus, and got both protesters and students, who were looking from their dorms. The police used high intensity sound machines, which gave me at headache, and they used rubber bullets and concussion grenades. I, as well as the group with me, were victims of tear gas. Several news reporters were hit with batons, tear gassed and hit with Police fists, including a New York Times Reporter and a CNN reporter.
At the permitted march, several thousand (at least 15,000) marched. Cheri Honkala, National Organizer with PPEHRC, spoke as did Union Organizers, Cindy Sheehan, and many others. Our march was blocked several times by a massive Police Presence and Military presence. They had helicopters, including Chenok troop carriers, Blackhawk helicopters, and Apache Attack helicopters, as well as armoured vehicles and Humvees. So, the Militarized presence was enormous. But, we were undaunted and got our messaged out of justice and peace and economic human rights. Several news organizations from the International community covered the event, including Al Jazerra, the BBC, German Television, Australian Television, and Japanese Television among others.
In closing, we believe it was a very worthwhile demonstration. We were especially pleased that the message of the poor, oppressed, unemployed and homeless were heard by those who were effected by the current economic crisis. Without your help and support, we could not have done this trip. We thank you. However, the work locally, must continue.
Our struggle for economic human rights for the poor and oppressed continues. We continue to serve and work alongside the homeless, the poor, and the unemployed. So, we need your continued support, help, and prayers.
For more info. about what happened on this trip you can go to www.economichumanrights.org.
Thank you again,
Rev. Bruce Wright
Hello Everyone. It is now Monday, September 28th, 2009. It is 3 days after the last day of the G20 demonstrations and actions.
Our contingent from Florida arrived back in Florida on Saturday night. We were tired, but encouraged and excited about what happened there. For more than 5 days and encampment of the poor, the homeless, the unemployed and their supporters camped out at Monumental Baptist Church, on their grounds in of the poorest, historical African American Districts called the Hill District in Pittsburgh, PA. We participated in the March for Jobs on the 20th with more than 1000 people,including PPEHRC, the Refuge, Bail Out the People, several Unions and others. We had to opportunity to speak at this event and talk about how movements to end poverty must be informed and led by those effected by it. We had workshops on ending poverty, worker rights, unions, and global issues. We viewed several films, including "Explicit Ills", which talked about healthcare and poverty with PPEHRC and a protest as the back drop. We did a speak out on ending Police Repression, and one about Healthcare. We had a March on Mellon Bank in the middle of the day on Wednesday and managed to get serious attention and disrupt traffic. At this March, we spoke of Predatory lending, foreclosures, and the housing crisis.
We also participated in several large Marches, including a large March on Thursday that was unpermitted. The authorities claim we had only 500 people, but it was more like 3000 to 4000. It was at this event, the Police Repression was the greatest, though throughout the week the Police harassed by Flying helicopters overhead at all hours, sending Police by in their Patrol cars, randomly stopping people and asking for their ID's for no apparent reason, in one case we were visited by Secret Service. At first, we thought they were there for a funeral the Church was having, but when I discovered they were Secret Service, I went up and talked with them and took a picture of them. I got more than 80 pictures at this event this week. So, we have lots of footage. During the unpermitted march on Thursday, the Police used tear gas in a residential neighborhood effecting both protesters and residents, including children. They used tear gas on the University of Pittsburgh campus, and got both protesters and students, who were looking from their dorms. The police used high intensity sound machines, which gave me at headache, and they used rubber bullets and concussion grenades. I, as well as the group with me, were victims of tear gas. Several news reporters were hit with batons, tear gassed and hit with Police fists, including a New York Times Reporter and a CNN reporter.
At the permitted march, several thousand (at least 15,000) marched. Cheri Honkala, National Organizer with PPEHRC, spoke as did Union Organizers, Cindy Sheehan, and many others. Our march was blocked several times by a massive Police Presence and Military presence. They had helicopters, including Chenok troop carriers, Blackhawk helicopters, and Apache Attack helicopters, as well as armoured vehicles and Humvees. So, the Militarized presence was enormous. But, we were undaunted and got our messaged out of justice and peace and economic human rights. Several news organizations from the International community covered the event, including Al Jazerra, the BBC, German Television, Australian Television, and Japanese Television among others.
In closing, we believe it was a very worthwhile demonstration. We were especially pleased that the message of the poor, oppressed, unemployed and homeless were heard by those who were effected by the current economic crisis. Without your help and support, we could not have done this trip. We thank you. However, the work locally, must continue.
Our struggle for economic human rights for the poor and oppressed continues. We continue to serve and work alongside the homeless, the poor, and the unemployed. So, we need your continued support, help, and prayers.
For more info. about what happened on this trip you can go to www.economichumanrights.org.
Thank you again,
Rev. Bruce Wright
Labels: Bail Out the People, Cheri Honkala, FL PPEHRC, G20, Pittsburgh, Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, Refuge Ministries of Florida, Rev. Bruce Wright
Monday, September 28, 2009
G-20 Update and Photos
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"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.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/26/world/26pittsburgh.html?_r=1&ref=politics
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_645112.html
http://www.wpxi.com/news/21104013/detail.html Look at Album 3 pictures 31, 42, 59
http://kdka.com/local/g20/tent.city.protest.2.1196577.html
http://kdka.com/local/g20/hill.district.protest.2.1191673.html
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.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/26/world/26pittsburgh.html?_r=1&ref=politics
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_645112.html
http://www.wpxi.com/news/21104013/detail.html Look at Album 3 pictures 31, 42, 59
http://kdka.com/local/g20/tent.city.protest.2.1196577.html
http://kdka.com/local/g20/hill.district.protest.2.1191673.html
Labels: Balducci Center, Cheri Honkala, Explicit Ills, G20, Pittsburgh
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Thousands march without violence through Downtown
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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.
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.
Labels: Cheri Honkala, G20
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Human Rights Violations Happening in York, PA
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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.
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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(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. |
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Deb Rothrock, Fair Valley Mobile Home Court, Justin Watkins, Multi-Properties Inc., Multi-Ventures, Natashia Euler, PA PPEHRC
Tenants Are Forced To Leave Their Mobile Home Park
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Original Article: http://www.fox43.com/news/wpmtfox43-troy-martin-mobile-home-08-09-2009,0,574858.story
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.
Copyright © 2009, WPMT-TV
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.
Copyright © 2009, WPMT-TV
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Deb Rothrock, Fair Valley Mobile Home Court, Justin Watkins, Multi-Properties Inc., Multi-Ventures, PA PPEHRC
Fair Valley residents band together to stay put in York Twp.
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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.
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.
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Deb Rothrock, Fair Valley Mobile Home Court, Justin Watkins, Multi-Properties Inc., Multi-Ventures, PA PPEHRC
Mobile home park residents fight back
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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
Where: 2505 S. George Street in York Township
When: 10 a.m. Sept. 29
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
Where: 2505 S. George Street in York Township
When: 10 a.m. Sept. 29
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Deb Rothrock, Fair Valley Mobile Home Court, Justin Watkins, Multi-Properties Inc., Multi-Ventures, PPEHRC
MN PPEHRC: Videos about the struggle to save Rosemary Williams' home
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Cheri Honkala of PPEHRC speaks about Rosemary Williams
Rosemary Williams March on the Minneapolis Mayor's office 8-19-09 - Part 1 of 5
Part 2 | Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5
Candlelight Vigil For Rosemary Williams - Part 1 of 3
Part 2 | Part 3
Rosemarry Williams and Ann Paterson Interview - Part 1 of 2
Part 2
Rosemary Williams March on the Minneapolis Mayor's office 8-19-09 - Part 1 of 5
Part 2 | Part 3| Part 4 | Part 5
Candlelight Vigil For Rosemary Williams - Part 1 of 3
Part 2 | Part 3
Rosemarry Williams and Ann Paterson Interview - Part 1 of 2
Part 2
Labels: Ann Patterson, Cheri Honkala, Foreclosure, GMAC, Rosemary Williams
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Stand-off continues at the home of Rosemary Williams
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A fifth day has passed without arrests of supporters who are occupying the home of Rosemary Williams.
A very moving candlelight vigil was held on her front lawn Monday evening with participation by people of many faiths.
The next day Tuesday, August 11, 2009, plans were scrapped to hold a demonstration at the mayor's office due to the following letter received by Rosemary Williams' lawyer, sent from the law firm of Faagre & Benson LLP that represents GMAC:
"GMAC offered $5000 to Ms. Williams to assist in her relocation costs and to allow her to move out of the home peacefully and avoid further complications.
Please discuss this with your colleague Emily Chow (766-8012) before noon. If we do not hear from you by that time, GMAC will proceed with contacting the Mpls. Police to secure the property.
As officers of the Court, we have an obligation to abide by the law and the Court's ruling in this case. We presented and argued our cases before the Court and the court has ruled. You have elected not to appeal that ruling, so the Order is final. I hope that you consider your obligation seriously as you advise your client about her options. GMAC has done everything possible to help Ms. Williams, except giving her the property for free. It has negotiated with potential buyers, extended the deadline for eviction and significantly discounted the sale price of the home. There is nothing left to do.
Even all the protesters and so-called supporters who are claiming to help her can't come up with the money to buy the property at the reduced rate. This is an opportunity for your client to vacate the property peacefully so she can move on with her life and GMAC can start the process of preparing the home for resale. I sincerely hope you and your client will choose the peaceful option."
So how did Rosemary respond to GMAC's offer? "NO WAY!" --which immediately spurred us on to step up our demand for an END TO EVICTIONS AND A MORATORIUM ON FORECLOSURES!
A very moving candlelight vigil was held on her front lawn Monday evening with participation by people of many faiths.
The next day Tuesday, August 11, 2009, plans were scrapped to hold a demonstration at the mayor's office due to the following letter received by Rosemary Williams' lawyer, sent from the law firm of Faagre & Benson LLP that represents GMAC:
"GMAC offered $5000 to Ms. Williams to assist in her relocation costs and to allow her to move out of the home peacefully and avoid further complications.
Please discuss this with your colleague Emily Chow (766-8012) before noon. If we do not hear from you by that time, GMAC will proceed with contacting the Mpls. Police to secure the property.
As officers of the Court, we have an obligation to abide by the law and the Court's ruling in this case. We presented and argued our cases before the Court and the court has ruled. You have elected not to appeal that ruling, so the Order is final. I hope that you consider your obligation seriously as you advise your client about her options. GMAC has done everything possible to help Ms. Williams, except giving her the property for free. It has negotiated with potential buyers, extended the deadline for eviction and significantly discounted the sale price of the home. There is nothing left to do.
Even all the protesters and so-called supporters who are claiming to help her can't come up with the money to buy the property at the reduced rate. This is an opportunity for your client to vacate the property peacefully so she can move on with her life and GMAC can start the process of preparing the home for resale. I sincerely hope you and your client will choose the peaceful option."
So how did Rosemary respond to GMAC's offer? "NO WAY!" --which immediately spurred us on to step up our demand for an END TO EVICTIONS AND A MORATORIUM ON FORECLOSURES!
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Senator Franken: "We are praying for Rosemary Williams," says CHAM.
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Dear Senator Franken,
Last night, Monday, Aug. 10, at 8pm we at CHAM Deliverance Ministry In San Jose, California prayed for the family of Rosemary Williams. We prayed In solidarity with the vigil held at her home at 3138 Clinton Street In Minneapolis. We stand In solidarity with Rosemary Williams's struggle to keep her home and against foreclosures and evictions around the country.
We are united In opposition to foreclosures and evictions that have been ravaging our communities and destroying families. We call on GMAC to come to the table and use the millions of dollars provided by the government to help families renegotiate their loans. We call on all the banks to come to the table to save Rosemary's home and end foreclosures and evictions around the country.
Sincerely,
Sandy Perry
Outreach Minister
CHAM Deliverance Ministry
80 S. Fifth St.
San Jose, CA 95112
408-691-6153
Last night, Monday, Aug. 10, at 8pm we at CHAM Deliverance Ministry In San Jose, California prayed for the family of Rosemary Williams. We prayed In solidarity with the vigil held at her home at 3138 Clinton Street In Minneapolis. We stand In solidarity with Rosemary Williams's struggle to keep her home and against foreclosures and evictions around the country.
We are united In opposition to foreclosures and evictions that have been ravaging our communities and destroying families. We call on GMAC to come to the table and use the millions of dollars provided by the government to help families renegotiate their loans. We call on all the banks to come to the table to save Rosemary's home and end foreclosures and evictions around the country.
Sincerely,
Sandy Perry
Outreach Minister
CHAM Deliverance Ministry
80 S. Fifth St.
San Jose, CA 95112
408-691-6153
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Defying Foreclosure, Owner And Protesters Wait Reporting
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Defying Foreclosure, Owner And Protesters Wait Reporting
by Bill Hudson
Original Article: http://wcco.com/neweconomy/defying.foreclosure.protesters.2.1124336.html
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ― Sixty-year-old Rosemary Williams lived in the home at 3138 Clinton Avenue South in Minneapolis for the past 23 years. It's the only neighborhood she's ever known, having lived on the same block for the past 55 years.
A simple blue sided, two-story home on the Minneapolis' south side has become emblematic of the nation's foreclosure crisis.
"People are willing to go to jail to get justice for Rosemary Williams," said Mick Kelly.
He's one of several dozen activists camped at the house in defiance of a sheriff's eviction order.
Sixty-year-old Rosemary Williams lived in the home at 3138 Clinton Avenue South in Minneapolis for the past 23 years. It's the only neighborhood she's ever known, having lived on the same block for the past 55 years.
Her troubles began last December when Williams lost her job and then received the terrifying news from her mortgage company. The interest rate on her GMAC adjustable rate mortgage shot up to 10 percent. You can imagine what that did to her monthly payment.
"It jumped from $1200 to $2200 in one year," said Williams.
Unemployed and looking for work, Williams was unable to make her payments and fell further and further behind. This summer, GMAC initiated foreclosure and in early July the company executed a formal eviction.
"You've got millions of people already been foreclosed on, millions more are coming. The economy cannot turn around and stop until we have a moratorium on foreclosures," Williams pointed out.
Ever since the eviction order was served by the Hennepin County Sheriff, a growing number of activists have been gathering in front of William's home. They've posted dozens of signs and banners, pointing to what they claim is an injustice being orchestrated by lenders.
Meantime, some of Williams' valuables are being moved out. At the same time, sympathetic protesters have moved in. They vow to resist any request to leave the property, assuring a mass arrest for trespassing.
Beyond the fight over bank foreclosures, activists are also critical of the government's attempt at a loan modification system. It's a system they say is also failing distressed homeowners despite the billions of dollars being pumped into the banking system.
Cheri Hankala has worked with troubled homeowners through the Minnesota Poor People's Economic Human Rights Coalition
She said the loan modification system didn't help Williams and is failing others in the same dire situation.
"We can't find one person out there that has benefited or been a part of any loan modification program in order to save their home," said Hankala.
Attempts to reach GMAC Home Mortgage to discuss this particular case were not successful. They did not return WCCO's phone calls.
So, with posters and prayer, the sit-in continues. A waiting game that will eventually conclude with a forced eviction and one woman's painful foreclosure on the front page.
by Bill Hudson
Original Article: http://wcco.com/neweconomy/defying.foreclosure.protesters.2.1124336.html
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ― Sixty-year-old Rosemary Williams lived in the home at 3138 Clinton Avenue South in Minneapolis for the past 23 years. It's the only neighborhood she's ever known, having lived on the same block for the past 55 years.
A simple blue sided, two-story home on the Minneapolis' south side has become emblematic of the nation's foreclosure crisis.
"People are willing to go to jail to get justice for Rosemary Williams," said Mick Kelly.
He's one of several dozen activists camped at the house in defiance of a sheriff's eviction order.
Sixty-year-old Rosemary Williams lived in the home at 3138 Clinton Avenue South in Minneapolis for the past 23 years. It's the only neighborhood she's ever known, having lived on the same block for the past 55 years.
Her troubles began last December when Williams lost her job and then received the terrifying news from her mortgage company. The interest rate on her GMAC adjustable rate mortgage shot up to 10 percent. You can imagine what that did to her monthly payment.
"It jumped from $1200 to $2200 in one year," said Williams.
Unemployed and looking for work, Williams was unable to make her payments and fell further and further behind. This summer, GMAC initiated foreclosure and in early July the company executed a formal eviction.
"You've got millions of people already been foreclosed on, millions more are coming. The economy cannot turn around and stop until we have a moratorium on foreclosures," Williams pointed out.
Ever since the eviction order was served by the Hennepin County Sheriff, a growing number of activists have been gathering in front of William's home. They've posted dozens of signs and banners, pointing to what they claim is an injustice being orchestrated by lenders.
Meantime, some of Williams' valuables are being moved out. At the same time, sympathetic protesters have moved in. They vow to resist any request to leave the property, assuring a mass arrest for trespassing.
Beyond the fight over bank foreclosures, activists are also critical of the government's attempt at a loan modification system. It's a system they say is also failing distressed homeowners despite the billions of dollars being pumped into the banking system.
Cheri Hankala has worked with troubled homeowners through the Minnesota Poor People's Economic Human Rights Coalition
She said the loan modification system didn't help Williams and is failing others in the same dire situation.
"We can't find one person out there that has benefited or been a part of any loan modification program in order to save their home," said Hankala.
Attempts to reach GMAC Home Mortgage to discuss this particular case were not successful. They did not return WCCO's phone calls.
So, with posters and prayer, the sit-in continues. A waiting game that will eventually conclude with a forced eviction and one woman's painful foreclosure on the front page.
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Update on the Standoff: GMAC says "Arrests Today"
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For release: August 11, 2009
GMAC says "Arrests Today"
Today's Meeting with Mayor Cancelled
This morning GMAC contacted Rosemary Williams's attorney. GMAC offered her $5000 to be quiet, stop activity to save her house, and go away. Ms. Williams said no. She would not take their "30 pieces of silver" when justice was on the line.
Today, we had plans to go to Mayor Rybak's office to tell him to order the city attorney to call off the cops. We would hope that our elected officials would act to save the people. It is clear that banks and corporations take precedence over people's lives.
We will be at the Williams home all day. (3138 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis) GMAC says it is sending out the police to arrest.
This fight will continue for families in foreclosure. Rosemary Williams stated: "I'm more committed now than ever to help families in America to save thier homes. GMAC made me more committed than ever."
Contacts:
MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign:Cheri Honkala 267-439-8419 Ann Patterson 612-940-1040
MN Coalition for a People's Bailout, Mick Kelly:612-715-3280, Linden Gawboy:612-296-5649
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Indymedia Coverage of the Standoff at Rosemary Williams' House
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Rosemary Williams
Occupation at Williams' House Goes Into Second Night
Submitted by haloka on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 20:10
in
* Local
* foreclosures
* Housing
* Minneapolis
* Organizing
* people's bailout
* PPEHRC
* Rosemary Williams
* Feature
TAKE ACTION: Tuesday morning at 9:30am meet at Rosemary's house--3138 Clinton-- then go together to the mayor's office at 10am to demand a just resolution to Rosemary's situation.
Related: MPR Update says police waiting for opinion of city attorney | Fighting foreclosures in North MPLS from TCDP
Monday evening: Ninety to a hundred people attended a candlelight vigil at Rosemary Williams's house. Religious folks and other community activists spoke. "God opened the door," said one speaker, describing the occupation.
Monday: 4th day of occupation; approx. 15 people stayed at the house last night; many more there this morning. | Article & Video from Fight Back News
Sunday Update: Press conference at Rosemary's house, 8am Monday.
The occupation at Rosemary Williams' home at 3138 Clinton in Minneapolis enters its second night tonight. On Friday night, about 20 people, including Rosemary Williams herself, spent the night at the home after a no trespassing order was given earlier in the day. At a 4pm press conference this rainy and humid Saturday, the usual crowd of activists from MN PPEHRC and the Coalition for a People's Bailout (twitter feed), bolstered by growing support and donations of food and supplies from neighbors, rallied to the defense of Williams' home. Some pushed for GMAC to finally negotiate; others concluded that the only option left is to defend the house with their bodies.
The question now is what the Minneapolis Police will do next. A police spokesman has said they'll respond if a trespassing complaint is received - but what that means is anyone's guess. For now, says Rosemary, "We can't give up, that's the bottom line. We have to band together to make this happen." People will continue to occupy the house around the clock.
Occupation at Williams' House Goes Into Second Night
Submitted by haloka on Sat, 08/08/2009 - 20:10
in
* Local
* foreclosures
* Housing
* Minneapolis
* Organizing
* people's bailout
* PPEHRC
* Rosemary Williams
* Feature
TAKE ACTION: Tuesday morning at 9:30am meet at Rosemary's house--3138 Clinton-- then go together to the mayor's office at 10am to demand a just resolution to Rosemary's situation.
Related: MPR Update says police waiting for opinion of city attorney | Fighting foreclosures in North MPLS from TCDP
Monday evening: Ninety to a hundred people attended a candlelight vigil at Rosemary Williams's house. Religious folks and other community activists spoke. "God opened the door," said one speaker, describing the occupation.
Monday: 4th day of occupation; approx. 15 people stayed at the house last night; many more there this morning. | Article & Video from Fight Back News
Sunday Update: Press conference at Rosemary's house, 8am Monday.
The occupation at Rosemary Williams' home at 3138 Clinton in Minneapolis enters its second night tonight. On Friday night, about 20 people, including Rosemary Williams herself, spent the night at the home after a no trespassing order was given earlier in the day. At a 4pm press conference this rainy and humid Saturday, the usual crowd of activists from MN PPEHRC and the Coalition for a People's Bailout (twitter feed), bolstered by growing support and donations of food and supplies from neighbors, rallied to the defense of Williams' home. Some pushed for GMAC to finally negotiate; others concluded that the only option left is to defend the house with their bodies.
The question now is what the Minneapolis Police will do next. A police spokesman has said they'll respond if a trespassing complaint is received - but what that means is anyone's guess. For now, says Rosemary, "We can't give up, that's the bottom line. We have to band together to make this happen." People will continue to occupy the house around the clock.
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
FOX 9: Protesting Eviction at 32nd and Clinton 4th day of Rosemary Williams eviction protest
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Monday, 10 Aug 2009, 8:33 AM CDT
Original Article: http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/Rosemary_Williams_Eviction_Protest_Aug_10_2009
MINNEAPOLIS - The fight to keep Rosemary Williams in her foreclosed home on Clinton Avenue in south Minneapolis continued Monday morning. Even after her eviction on Friday.
Since Hennepin County sheriff's deputies evicted Williams from her house at 32nd and Clinton four days ago, friends and supporters have been rotating shifts and protesting on the property, with a very large protest planned for Monday.
Rosemary Williams has lived in her home at 3138 Clinton Ave. S. for 26 years, and has become the poster child for the foreclosure crisis in Minneapolis.
Deal to save her home recently fell through and on Friday she was evicted and the locks were changed. But soon, friends and supporters with the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign were able to get inside the house and remove all her belongings.
In three years, Rosemary Williams had lost her job and her mortgage went from $900 to $2,600 per month. But in July, a judge ruled against her defense that she was a victim fo predatory lending and ruled she needed $49,000 to appeal the case.
Protesters are still fighting for Williams. A Press conference started at 8 a.m. Monday and the group has said it plans to stay at 32nd and Clinton until they are forcibly removed by police
Original Article: http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/Rosemary_Williams_Eviction_Protest_Aug_10_2009
MINNEAPOLIS - The fight to keep Rosemary Williams in her foreclosed home on Clinton Avenue in south Minneapolis continued Monday morning. Even after her eviction on Friday.
Since Hennepin County sheriff's deputies evicted Williams from her house at 32nd and Clinton four days ago, friends and supporters have been rotating shifts and protesting on the property, with a very large protest planned for Monday.
Rosemary Williams has lived in her home at 3138 Clinton Ave. S. for 26 years, and has become the poster child for the foreclosure crisis in Minneapolis.
Deal to save her home recently fell through and on Friday she was evicted and the locks were changed. But soon, friends and supporters with the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign were able to get inside the house and remove all her belongings.
In three years, Rosemary Williams had lost her job and her mortgage went from $900 to $2,600 per month. But in July, a judge ruled against her defense that she was a victim fo predatory lending and ruled she needed $49,000 to appeal the case.
Protesters are still fighting for Williams. A Press conference started at 8 a.m. Monday and the group has said it plans to stay at 32nd and Clinton until they are forcibly removed by police
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
WCCO Coverage: Protesters Fighting Home Foreclosure
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Aug 10, 2009 12:06 pm US/Central
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ― Dozens of protesters are waging a sit-in at a foreclosed home in south Minneapolis. in south Minneapolis.
On Friday, officers evicted Rosemary Williams from her home on the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue South, after she missed some mortgage payments to GMAC. Williams is a long-time resident of the area.
Williams said she's a victim of predatory lending. Last month, a judge who heard her case ruled against her and said she would have to either come up with the money she owes, or leave.
Williams and her supporters want GMAC to restart the negotiations to modify her mortgage.
Since the foreclosure Friday, protesters have taken over the home, coming and going in shifts. On Monday, some said they're willing to stay as long as needed: weeks, months, even a year.
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Protest, Rosemary Williams
Photos from the night before the standoff at Rosemary's
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 |
| Standoff at Rosemary's House |
Labels: Ann Patterson, Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Press Release: Neighbors & Supporters of Rosemary Williams Demand Meeting with Mayor
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For release: August 10, 2009
NEIGHBORS AND SUPPORTERS OF ROSEMARY WILLIAMS DEMAND MEETING WITH MAYOR
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 10:00 a.m., neighbors, friends, supporters of Rosemary Williams along with the faith community will go to Mayor Rybak's office. We will demand to meet with Mayor Rybak and insist that he stop police from evicting Rosemary from her home, and that the mayor take action to keep Rosemary in her home.
On Friday, Aug. 7th, Rosemary Williams and her family endured a snap eviction from the house Rosemary has been fighting to save for over a year. Neighbors, supporters and community members rushed to the house at 3138 Clinton to defend the home. Dozens of supporters have slept on the floors and have held an overnight watch at the front and back doors. During the days, hundreds of people have pitched in for rallies, massive moves of Ms. Williams's belongings, and organizing meals and community gatherings.
Mayor Rybak needs to see that forcing Ms. Williams and her supporters from the home is the wrong thing to do. It is time for Mayor Rybak to address the foreclosure crisis in our city and to keep Rosemary Williams in her home.
Rosemary Williams, her neighbors, friends, and supporters will continue this struggle as long as it take to get justice.
MN Coalition for a People's Bailout, Mick Kelly 612-715-3280, Linden Gawboy 612-296-5649
MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign: Cheri Honkala 267-439-8419, Ann Patterson 612-940-1040
--30--
NEIGHBORS AND SUPPORTERS OF ROSEMARY WILLIAMS DEMAND MEETING WITH MAYOR
On Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 10:00 a.m., neighbors, friends, supporters of Rosemary Williams along with the faith community will go to Mayor Rybak's office. We will demand to meet with Mayor Rybak and insist that he stop police from evicting Rosemary from her home, and that the mayor take action to keep Rosemary in her home.
On Friday, Aug. 7th, Rosemary Williams and her family endured a snap eviction from the house Rosemary has been fighting to save for over a year. Neighbors, supporters and community members rushed to the house at 3138 Clinton to defend the home. Dozens of supporters have slept on the floors and have held an overnight watch at the front and back doors. During the days, hundreds of people have pitched in for rallies, massive moves of Ms. Williams's belongings, and organizing meals and community gatherings.
Mayor Rybak needs to see that forcing Ms. Williams and her supporters from the home is the wrong thing to do. It is time for Mayor Rybak to address the foreclosure crisis in our city and to keep Rosemary Williams in her home.
Rosemary Williams, her neighbors, friends, and supporters will continue this struggle as long as it take to get justice.
MN Coalition for a People's Bailout, Mick Kelly 612-715-3280, Linden Gawboy 612-296-5649
MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign: Cheri Honkala 267-439-8419, Ann Patterson 612-940-1040
--30--
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Monday, August 10, 2009
Write, email and call Rosemary Williams' elected officials TODAY to prevent her eviction!
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Here's the suggested text to send to the elected officials (below):
"I am very alarmed about the epidemic of imminent and unjust foreclosures in the Green Central neighborhood of south Minneapolis, involving several long-time residents. Rosemary Williams' loss of her home and her neighbors' resistance to it are about to get nationwide attention, as scores of their supporters block the sheriff's effort to remove her.
This is a human rights emergency for this homeowner, her neighbors, and tens of thousands of Americans who are threatened with foreclosure. Join us today by personally intervening and speaking out to keep Rosemary Williams in her home and stop this now."
This is a human rights emergency for this homeowner, her neighbors, and tens of thousands of Americans who are threatened with foreclosure. Join us today by personally intervening and speaking out to keep Rosemary Williams in her home and stop this now."
Direct your communications to the following elected officials:
Elizabeth Glidden
350 S 5th Street
City Hall, Room 307
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 673-2208
Fax: (612) 673-3940
Email: Elizabeth.Glidden@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
350 S 5th Street
City Hall, Room 307
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 673-2208
Fax: (612) 673-3940
Email: Elizabeth.Glidden@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
Mayor R.T. Rybak
City Hall, Room 331
350 South Fifth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 673-2100
Fax: (612) 673-2305
Email contact form: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/forms/mayor-opinion/
Congressman Keith Ellison (he should be in district on House recess)
Minneapolis Office
2100 Plymouth Avenue N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Phone: (612) 522-1212 Fax: 612-522-9915
Email contact: https://forms.house.gov/ellison/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm
Senator Al Franken (in DC until Aug. 8 recess)
320 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
DC Phone: 202-224-5641
MN Phone: 651-221-1016
E-mail: info@franken.senate.gov
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Sheriff's Attempt to Evict Rosemary - HOME RECLAIMED
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CALL FOR SUPPORT - Resistance Continues - 24 hour Presence of Supporters Needed
Yesterday around 2pm the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department officially evicted Rosemary Williams, removing all occupants and locking many of Rosemary's possessions into her home. Thankfully, last night Rosemary was able to sleep peacefully in her home. The community mobilized quickly, first re-opening the home then rallying outside and carrying out possessions to temporary storage in volunteers' vans. Throughout the afternoon and evening over 100 members of the community came to rally and show support.
Here's a link to some of the news coverage:
http://www.startribune.com/local/52713662.html?elr=KArks:DCiUnP::DE8c7PiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
Members of MN PPEHRC, the Coalition for a People's Bailout, and community members will continue to fight and occupy the property until Rosemary's home is secure. The more people who are present at the home at any given time, the less the chances are of forced removal at the hands of the police department. We are maintaining a constant presence at the home, 24 hours a day.
Come by and show your support whenever you can. Stay for as long as you can and spread the word. We plan on keeping this home as long as possible to pressure the city and the banks to accept a deal that will allow Rosemary to keep her home.
Come anytime to 3138 Clinton Ave S. Bring friends, family, musical instruments and entertainment.
AND...HERE'S ANOTHER UPDATE RE. BARBARA BYRD'S STAND
Barbara Byrd, African American working woman fighting to stay in her duplex in Brooklyn Park, will NOT appear in court on August 10th as scheduled. Her date in district court to present her case against EMC has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 16th at 1pm. Room number to be verified.
No Evictions, No Foreclosures! Housing is a Human Right!
Yesterday around 2pm the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department officially evicted Rosemary Williams, removing all occupants and locking many of Rosemary's possessions into her home. Thankfully, last night Rosemary was able to sleep peacefully in her home. The community mobilized quickly, first re-opening the home then rallying outside and carrying out possessions to temporary storage in volunteers' vans. Throughout the afternoon and evening over 100 members of the community came to rally and show support.
Here's a link to some of the news coverage:
http://www.startribune.com/local/52713662.html?elr=KArks:DCiUnP::DE8c7PiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
Members of MN PPEHRC, the Coalition for a People's Bailout, and community members will continue to fight and occupy the property until Rosemary's home is secure. The more people who are present at the home at any given time, the less the chances are of forced removal at the hands of the police department. We are maintaining a constant presence at the home, 24 hours a day.
Come by and show your support whenever you can. Stay for as long as you can and spread the word. We plan on keeping this home as long as possible to pressure the city and the banks to accept a deal that will allow Rosemary to keep her home.
Come anytime to 3138 Clinton Ave S. Bring friends, family, musical instruments and entertainment.
AND...HERE'S ANOTHER UPDATE RE. BARBARA BYRD'S STAND
Barbara Byrd, African American working woman fighting to stay in her duplex in Brooklyn Park, will NOT appear in court on August 10th as scheduled. Her date in district court to present her case against EMC has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 16th at 1pm. Room number to be verified.
No Evictions, No Foreclosures! Housing is a Human Right!
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Media conference: Fight to save Rosemary's house continues!
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For release: August 9, 2009
Fight to save Rosemary's house continues!
As weekend ends, danger of police raid looms Monday morning.
Media conference
Monday, August 10, 8:00 a.m.
3138 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis
On Friday, Aug. 7th, Rosemary Williams and her family endured a snap eviction from the home Rosemary has been fighting to save for over a year. Ms. Williams was given less than 90 minutes to decide which of her 60+ years of history to empty into her vehicle. That is how long it took the sheriff's people to change the locks.
Immediately, neighbors, supporters and community members rushed to the house at 3138 Clinton. Almost as immediately, plans were made to make sure Ms. Williams was able to retreive her belongings and reclaim access to her home. Part of those plans included supporters taking a stand inside and outside the house, determined to defend the home.
For two nights, up to 20 supporters have slept on the floors and have held an overnight watch at the front and back doors. During the days, upwards of 75 people at a time have pitched in for rallies, massisve moves of Ms. Williams belongings, and organizing simple family barbeques and birthday parties.
But tomorrow, we will be prepared for the situation to escalate. A nationwide call has been put out for members of the public to call GMAC, insisting that they start negotgiating in good faith with Ms. Williams so she and her family can keep her home. GMAC's stalling and outright fabrications have stymied efforts for Ms. Williams to explore all the avenues available to her. We have been exposing the rotteness of GMAC's tactics to the public, and people around the country are taking inpiration from Rosemary Williams's fight.
Monday, GMAC has to make a choice. Agree to negotiate in good faith, or continue to be exposed for its role in destroying homes, neighborhoods, and our communities...all the while grubbing at the trough of billions in federal bailout money.
Contacts: MN Coalition for a People's Bailout, Mick Kelly:612-715-3280, Linden Gawboy:612-296-5649
MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign:Cheri Honkala 267-439-8419 Ann Patterson 612-940-1040
Fight to save Rosemary's house continues!
As weekend ends, danger of police raid looms Monday morning.
Media conference
Monday, August 10, 8:00 a.m.
3138 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis
On Friday, Aug. 7th, Rosemary Williams and her family endured a snap eviction from the home Rosemary has been fighting to save for over a year. Ms. Williams was given less than 90 minutes to decide which of her 60+ years of history to empty into her vehicle. That is how long it took the sheriff's people to change the locks.
Immediately, neighbors, supporters and community members rushed to the house at 3138 Clinton. Almost as immediately, plans were made to make sure Ms. Williams was able to retreive her belongings and reclaim access to her home. Part of those plans included supporters taking a stand inside and outside the house, determined to defend the home.
For two nights, up to 20 supporters have slept on the floors and have held an overnight watch at the front and back doors. During the days, upwards of 75 people at a time have pitched in for rallies, massisve moves of Ms. Williams belongings, and organizing simple family barbeques and birthday parties.
But tomorrow, we will be prepared for the situation to escalate. A nationwide call has been put out for members of the public to call GMAC, insisting that they start negotgiating in good faith with Ms. Williams so she and her family can keep her home. GMAC's stalling and outright fabrications have stymied efforts for Ms. Williams to explore all the avenues available to her. We have been exposing the rotteness of GMAC's tactics to the public, and people around the country are taking inpiration from Rosemary Williams's fight.
Monday, GMAC has to make a choice. Agree to negotiate in good faith, or continue to be exposed for its role in destroying homes, neighborhoods, and our communities...all the while grubbing at the trough of billions in federal bailout money.
Contacts: MN Coalition for a People's Bailout, Mick Kelly:612-715-3280, Linden Gawboy:612-296-5649
MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign:Cheri Honkala 267-439-8419 Ann Patterson 612-940-1040
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Monday, August 3, 2009
Press Conference: Deal to save Rosemary Williams’s home falls through.
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Press Conference: Deal to save Rosemary Williams’s home falls through.
Deal to save Rosemary Williams's home falls through.
Coming together AGAIN to stop Rosemary's eviction:
News conference: Monday, August 3, 11:00 a.m.
3138 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis
On Friday, July 31, at about 3:00 p.m., Rosemary Williams got word that the deal with Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) to buy her home fell through. This, after the drama of July 24, when shortly after a 24-hour eviction notice was served, she got word that GMHC was to purchase her home and arrange to lease it back to her. A week of relief and celebration and hope was capped off by Friday's devastating news.
Rosemary is not giving up on trying to save her home, and the community is not giving up either. We are mobilizing community members, organizations and all those who want to fight the housing crisis to stand guard at Rosemary's house and do whatever we can to stop the eviction.
At Monday's news conference, we will give an update on our plans to save Rosemary's home, as well as any additional information about the current situation.
Rosemary Williams is a 55-year resident of the Central Neighborhood in south Minneapolis. She has been fighting to save her home for almost a year now. After months of non-communication from the mortgage holders, an eviction was ordered this spring. Ms. Williams, along with dozens of community supporters, tried to use the courts to stop the eviction, only to find out that pursuing "justice" would cost us $49,000. Meanwhile Rosemary has also been desperately trying to get financing to save her home, a process that takes time, especially in this economic and bank climate. Through it all, Ms. Williams makes it clear that she is standing up to inspire everyone to fight against these unjust foreclosures and evictions.
MN Coalition for a People's Bailout, mn-peoples-bailout.org, 612-296-5649, Linden Gawboy
MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, 651-497-4644, Lynette Malles
Deal to save Rosemary Williams's home falls through.
Coming together AGAIN to stop Rosemary's eviction:
News conference: Monday, August 3, 11:00 a.m.
3138 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis
On Friday, July 31, at about 3:00 p.m., Rosemary Williams got word that the deal with Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) to buy her home fell through. This, after the drama of July 24, when shortly after a 24-hour eviction notice was served, she got word that GMHC was to purchase her home and arrange to lease it back to her. A week of relief and celebration and hope was capped off by Friday's devastating news.
Rosemary is not giving up on trying to save her home, and the community is not giving up either. We are mobilizing community members, organizations and all those who want to fight the housing crisis to stand guard at Rosemary's house and do whatever we can to stop the eviction.
At Monday's news conference, we will give an update on our plans to save Rosemary's home, as well as any additional information about the current situation.
Rosemary Williams is a 55-year resident of the Central Neighborhood in south Minneapolis. She has been fighting to save her home for almost a year now. After months of non-communication from the mortgage holders, an eviction was ordered this spring. Ms. Williams, along with dozens of community supporters, tried to use the courts to stop the eviction, only to find out that pursuing "justice" would cost us $49,000. Meanwhile Rosemary has also been desperately trying to get financing to save her home, a process that takes time, especially in this economic and bank climate. Through it all, Ms. Williams makes it clear that she is standing up to inspire everyone to fight against these unjust foreclosures and evictions.
MN Coalition for a People's Bailout, mn-peoples-bailout.org, 612-296-5649, Linden Gawboy
MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, 651-497-4644, Lynette Malles
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Monday, July 27, 2009
Minneapolis woman, facing eviction-foreclosure, gets last-minute reprieve
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Allie Shah, Star Tribune
Rosemary Williams, third woman from right (partly obscured by man), learned hours after getting an eviction notice that she doesn’t have to leave. Supporters had been prepared to fight through civil disobedience.
A Minneapolis nonprofit developer has agreed to buy the home of Rosemary Williams and strike a deal so she can stay there.
By ALLIE SHAH, Star Tribune
Last update: July 25, 2009 - 8:18 AM
Rosemary Williams, whose fight to stay in her foreclosed home in Minneapolis has attracted national attention, has won a last-minute reprieve -- and possibly more.
Hours after getting an eviction notice Friday, Williams, standing barefoot on the wooden porch outside the house where she's lived for 23 years, said she learned that she can stay for now and, perhaps, for good.
The Greater Metropolitan Housing Corp., a local nonprofit developer, said it has agreed to buy the home from GMAC Mortgage and allow Williams to live there through a rental or other arrangement.
"It's all taken care of. We expect to close within a week," the organization's president, Carolyn Olson, said Friday evening. Olson said that she had signed the paperwork to buy the home for $90,000 and sent it to GMAC. GMAC officials could not immediately be reached.
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office had served the eviction notice on Williams, 60, early Friday, which would have required her to leave within the next few days.
She and her supporters had planned to block authorities from removing her by using non-violent civil disobedience and scheduled a news conference Friday to detail their plans.
Instead, Minneapolis City Council Member Elizabeth Glidden announced the negotiations between a potential buyer and GMAC that would allow Williams to stay.
"We know that the Sheriff's Office is holding off," Glidden told the crowd, who cheered loudly.
Lisa Kiava, a spokeswoman for the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, said Williams had been served paperwork, adding, "we're not taking any action on the writ of execution until we have more information."
Williams is a divorced mother of three who took out an adjustable-rate mortgage to get $12,000 to pay some bills. Her payment jumped from $1,200 to $2,200 a month. At the same time, she lost her job and stopped making payments. The house went into foreclosure and was sold at an auction last fall.
She was ordered to leave the house by March 30, but she refused. The new owner, GMAC Mortgage, went to court to have her evicted.
Williams' family has lived on Clinton Avenue for more than 50 years, and she and her mother built the house where she now lives.
There are seven foreclosed homes on her block, including a boarded-up one across the street that was tagged recently with this sardonic message: "What housing crisis?"
Williams' case has attracted the interest of filmmaker Michael Moore, she said, as well as several local organizations. They include the Minnesota Coalition for a People's Bailout and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign.
"She has become a symbol of what so many people are going through," Glidden said.
Sitting on her porch Friday after the crowd left, Williams said: "I had a sign in my bathroom that said, 'I believe in miracles.' This morning I looked at that sign and said, 'Yes.'"
Allie Shah • 612-673-4488
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Friday, July 24, 2009
Victory for Rosemary Williams!
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Media Alert
For Immediate Release: 7-24-2009
Today, July 24, at 9:15 a.m., the Hennepin County Sheriff's office knocked on the door of Rosemary Williams, 3138 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis. They handed her an eviction notice, stating that she and her family (including two grandbabies) had to be out of the house by Monday. Ms. Williams, along with the MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign and the MN Coalition for People's Bailout were already prepared with a press conference to announce plans to resist the eviction.
Twenty minutes before the press conference, Rosemary Williams got a phone call from Minneapolis Councilmember Elizabeth Glidden. Word came through that a buyer had been found for the house, and that Ms. Williams could get a chance to lease her home with an option to buy it outright. In any case, the sheriffs were called off. And Rosemary stays in her home.
"This victory shows that when you fight back, you can win," said Linden Gawboy, of the MN Coalition for a People's Bailout. "Rosemary has lit the path for millions of others in this country. Stay, stay, stay. Never give up. Our communities depend on us staying."
Cheri Honkala, of the MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign stated, "Rosemary's victory proves the strength of people's power. Through a unified struggle made up of directly affected people and allies, mega-corporations like GMAC have run scared. Rosemary has won."
Rosemary Williams has lived on the same block in South Minneapolis for 55 years. Since she began her fight against foreclosures, she has been speaking not just for herself, but for all others in the same situation. She has testified at the legislature, before the city council and attempted a ground-breaking court case to save her home. She is a heroic example to everyone that taking a stand can have results.
"This is what happens when organizations and community come together and work collectively," said Rosemary Williams. "I just want to encourage everyone to not just leave in the night like they want you to. Fight for what is yours."
MN Coalition for a People's Bailout, mn-peoples-bailout.org, 612-822-8020, 612-296-5649
MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, 612-940-1040, 267-439-8419
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Photos and video clipping of the National Conference to End Poverty.
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Labels: Building the Unsettling Force: A National Conference to Abolish Poverty, Cheri Honkala, Gathering of Hearts, PPEHRC, SWAA, WIT
URGENT! Rosemary Williams Foreclosure non violent sit in to begin soon in MPLS.
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EMERGENCY ALERT. Save Rosemary's Home!
Today, Thursday July 23, at about 11:00 a.m., Judge Zimmerman issued a "Writ of Recovery" on behalf of GMAC. This means GMAC can seize Rosemary Williams's home as soon as Friday (TOMORROW). The sheriff could post the eviction notice as soon as TODAY. Then the sheriff wants the house vacated in 24 hours.
Here is the plan:
--Right after the sheriff posts the notice of eviction, we will put out a call to have EVERYONE stand guard at Rosemary's house - 3138 Clinton Ave, Mpls. Make plans now as to what your role will be as we stop this eviction. Again, it is likely that we will have to be there tomorrow.
--Press conference:
Friday, July 24, 1:00 p.m.
Rosemary's house: 3138 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis
SOME CALLS TO MAKE:
Call GMAC: Call GMAC in the Twin Cities and the national headquarters.
Twin Cities: 952-806-9705
GMAC Headquarters: 215-734-8899
Tell them to retract the writ of recovery and let Rosemary try to save her home. She has been desperately trying to get financing to save her home, a process that takes time.
Call Fraegre and Benson: GMAC is represented by the law firm of Fraegre and Benson. Rosemary asks that you call them at 612-766-7000 and tell them to "undo the Writ of Recovery" on Rosemary's home.
Call these elected officials
Mayor RT Rybak: 612-673-2100
U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison: 202-225-4755
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar: 202-224-3244
U.S. Sen. Al Franken: 202-224-5641
Demand that they call GMAC and order GMAC to retract the writ of recovery. Banks got billions of dollars in bailout money. Now is their chance to help the people who the banks screwed over.
Rosemary Williams is a 55-year resident of the Central Neighborhood in south Minneapolis. Rosemary has been a fighter against the foreclosure crisis for nearly a year, giving inspiration to others to fight back. Now is the time for all the community to show support. Clear your calendars and take a stand!
We will put our more info later.
MN Coalition for a People's Bailout, www.mn-peoples-bailout.org, 612-822-8020, 612-296-5649
MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, 612-940-1040
Today, Thursday July 23, at about 11:00 a.m., Judge Zimmerman issued a "Writ of Recovery" on behalf of GMAC. This means GMAC can seize Rosemary Williams's home as soon as Friday (TOMORROW). The sheriff could post the eviction notice as soon as TODAY. Then the sheriff wants the house vacated in 24 hours.
Here is the plan:
--Right after the sheriff posts the notice of eviction, we will put out a call to have EVERYONE stand guard at Rosemary's house - 3138 Clinton Ave, Mpls. Make plans now as to what your role will be as we stop this eviction. Again, it is likely that we will have to be there tomorrow.
--Press conference:
Friday, July 24, 1:00 p.m.
Rosemary's house: 3138 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis
SOME CALLS TO MAKE:
Call GMAC: Call GMAC in the Twin Cities and the national headquarters.
Twin Cities: 952-806-9705
GMAC Headquarters: 215-734-8899
Tell them to retract the writ of recovery and let Rosemary try to save her home. She has been desperately trying to get financing to save her home, a process that takes time.
Call Fraegre and Benson: GMAC is represented by the law firm of Fraegre and Benson. Rosemary asks that you call them at 612-766-7000 and tell them to "undo the Writ of Recovery" on Rosemary's home.
Call these elected officials
Mayor RT Rybak: 612-673-2100
U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison: 202-225-4755
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar: 202-224-3244
U.S. Sen. Al Franken: 202-224-5641
Demand that they call GMAC and order GMAC to retract the writ of recovery. Banks got billions of dollars in bailout money. Now is their chance to help the people who the banks screwed over.
Rosemary Williams is a 55-year resident of the Central Neighborhood in south Minneapolis. Rosemary has been a fighter against the foreclosure crisis for nearly a year, giving inspiration to others to fight back. Now is the time for all the community to show support. Clear your calendars and take a stand!
We will put our more info later.
MN Coalition for a People's Bailout, www.mn-peoples-bailout.org, 612-822-8020, 612-296-5649
MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, 612-940-1040
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Courier-Journal Coverage: Poverty conference at Spalding
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By Jere Downs
jdowns@courier-journal.com
Cheri Honkala began her activist career as a single mother on welfare, leading raucous squatting campaigns in North Philadelphia through the 1990s to raise awareness about housing shortages and economic injustice. This weekend the 47-year-old activist leads a national conference at Spalding University.
An estimated 300 social workers, academics, working people, and labor activists are expected to attend "Building the Unsettling Force: A National Conference To End Poverty."
"It is so urgent right now," Honkala, 47, said in an interview about the conference's goal to organize poor people to combat housing, education, and economic issues.
"It is like seeing children and families on a railroad track. It is not really a choice whether you push them off to safety."
Now, Honkala is the national organizer of the Poor People's Human Rights Campaign, a national nonprofit group organizing in Philadelphia, Minnesota, and the Missisippi delta areas, among others areas. For sponsors, Honkala's organization teamed up with the local chapter of Women In Transition, a nonprofit advocacy group for poor famliies, and the Social Welfare Action Alliance, a nonprofit group with chapters in Denver, Chicago and elsewhere.
"There are probably a dozen conferences around poverty each year," said Jennifer R. Jewell, a social work professor at Spalding University and co-founder of Women In Transition in Louisville. "What is important about this conference is it is directly led by people who are on the front line. It is such hard work to do what we do. This really rejuvenates us each year."
Presentations of research on poverty and workshops on activism make up a long agenda held at the Egan Leadership Center at 4th and Breckinridge Streets Friday and Saturday. Speakers from Nashville, Tenn., New Orleans, La., and Tampa, Florida are among those who will share expertise. Participants can also take "poverty tours," in the region, narrated by local activists who will talk about Louisville-area issues will also take place Friday and Saturday, departing from Spalding.
Reporter Jere Downs can be reached at (502) 582-4669.
If you go
Additional Facts
What: Building the Unsettling Force: A National Conference To End Poverty
Where: Egan Leadership Center, Spalding University, 4th & Breckinridge Streets
When: Thursday-Sunday.Cost: Many events are free. Some conference registration fees may apply.
For more information: contact Khalilah V. Collins at (502) 432-2029.
jdowns@courier-journal.com
Cheri Honkala began her activist career as a single mother on welfare, leading raucous squatting campaigns in North Philadelphia through the 1990s to raise awareness about housing shortages and economic injustice. This weekend the 47-year-old activist leads a national conference at Spalding University.
An estimated 300 social workers, academics, working people, and labor activists are expected to attend "Building the Unsettling Force: A National Conference To End Poverty."
"It is so urgent right now," Honkala, 47, said in an interview about the conference's goal to organize poor people to combat housing, education, and economic issues.
"It is like seeing children and families on a railroad track. It is not really a choice whether you push them off to safety."
Now, Honkala is the national organizer of the Poor People's Human Rights Campaign, a national nonprofit group organizing in Philadelphia, Minnesota, and the Missisippi delta areas, among others areas. For sponsors, Honkala's organization teamed up with the local chapter of Women In Transition, a nonprofit advocacy group for poor famliies, and the Social Welfare Action Alliance, a nonprofit group with chapters in Denver, Chicago and elsewhere.
"There are probably a dozen conferences around poverty each year," said Jennifer R. Jewell, a social work professor at Spalding University and co-founder of Women In Transition in Louisville. "What is important about this conference is it is directly led by people who are on the front line. It is such hard work to do what we do. This really rejuvenates us each year."
Presentations of research on poverty and workshops on activism make up a long agenda held at the Egan Leadership Center at 4th and Breckinridge Streets Friday and Saturday. Speakers from Nashville, Tenn., New Orleans, La., and Tampa, Florida are among those who will share expertise. Participants can also take "poverty tours," in the region, narrated by local activists who will talk about Louisville-area issues will also take place Friday and Saturday, departing from Spalding.
Reporter Jere Downs can be reached at (502) 582-4669.
If you go
Additional Facts
What: Building the Unsettling Force: A National Conference To End Poverty
Where: Egan Leadership Center, Spalding University, 4th & Breckinridge Streets
When: Thursday-Sunday.Cost: Many events are free. Some conference registration fees may apply.
For more information: contact Khalilah V. Collins at (502) 432-2029.
Labels: Building the Unsettling Force: A National Conference to Abolish Poverty, Cheri Honkala, Courier-Journal, Jennifer Jewell, Khalilah Collins
Thursday, July 9, 2009
This Friday: People’s Party At Rosemary’s Home!
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People's Party At Rosemary's Home!
Support our friend and neighbor, Rosemary Williams, as we continue to defend our community.
Rosemary Williams' Home
3138 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis
Friday July 10, 6pm-Midnight
We're putting the fun in fundraiser!
The cups are being given out in exchange for a suggested donation of $5 (and we'll even accept more). The beer and wine will be flowing freely. We'll be grilling dollar dogs (both meaty and vegan). Slices of watermelon are also on the menu. Of course, rockin' tunes will also be heard (dancing is encouraged).
We won't let the tyrants in their ivory bank towers destroy the spirit of our community, so come on by and give that spirit some exercise!
Support our friend and neighbor, Rosemary Williams, as we continue to defend our community.
Rosemary Williams' Home
3138 Clinton Ave S, Minneapolis
Friday July 10, 6pm-Midnight
We're putting the fun in fundraiser!
The cups are being given out in exchange for a suggested donation of $5 (and we'll even accept more). The beer and wine will be flowing freely. We'll be grilling dollar dogs (both meaty and vegan). Slices of watermelon are also on the menu. Of course, rockin' tunes will also be heard (dancing is encouraged).
We won't let the tyrants in their ivory bank towers destroy the spirit of our community, so come on by and give that spirit some exercise!
--
http://www.lightstalkers.org/k__flo_razowsky
--
Arun Prabhakaran
t: 215.888.0889
e: prabhakaran.arun@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aprabhakaran
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/arunprabhakaran
Twitter: http://twitter.com/aruntis
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Thursday, July 2, 2009
MN PPEHRC Updates
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Update on Rosemary's Case
Rosemary did not receive an eviction notice this week. GMAC has temporarily backed off from the eviction and offered to significantly lower the price
to $90,000. for which they will sell Rosemary her home (GMAC bought her home at a sheriff's sale). However they will not finance the mortgage. They have given her until July 10 to produce documentation showing she has secured financing. If she is not able to do so by the 10th, they have said they will give her additional time to vacate her home. We're glad that Rosemary has more time in her home and a chance to keep it - but plans for non-violent civil disobedience and protest of her still-possible eviction have not changed.
Rosemary did not receive an eviction notice this week. GMAC has temporarily backed off from the eviction and offered to significantly lower the price
to $90,000. for which they will sell Rosemary her home (GMAC bought her home at a sheriff's sale). However they will not finance the mortgage. They have given her until July 10 to produce documentation showing she has secured financing. If she is not able to do so by the 10th, they have said they will give her additional time to vacate her home. We're glad that Rosemary has more time in her home and a chance to keep it - but plans for non-violent civil disobedience and protest of her still-possible eviction have not changed.
There is still an ongoing estate sale happening in her house and in back. Come on over and send others!
People's Party
Friday, July 10, come to the "People's Party" at Rosemary's house at 3138 Clinton Avenue South from 6pm until midnight. Spread the word. There will be $5 bottomless cups of beer, dollar dogs (meaty and vegan), watermelon and jammin' tunes. Plain ol' donations are also encouraged. Enjoy the evening with your fellow people of conscience. Let's put the fun in fundraiser! Bring friends and family.
Friday, July 10, come to the "People's Party" at Rosemary's house at 3138 Clinton Avenue South from 6pm until midnight. Spread the word. There will be $5 bottomless cups of beer, dollar dogs (meaty and vegan), watermelon and jammin' tunes. Plain ol' donations are also encouraged. Enjoy the evening with your fellow people of conscience. Let's put the fun in fundraiser! Bring friends and family.
Fundraising Dinner for Ona Kingbird
6:30pm Tuesday, July 7 at the Indian Center at Bloomington and Franklin Ave. in Minneapolis. $10. for all the spaghetti and meatballs that you can eat. Ona is a Twin Cities Ojibwa elder who has taught for 36 years in Minnesota public schools and prisons. As a Red Lake tribal member and bearer of the pipe given by her father, a medicine man, she preserved the culture of her students at Heart of the Earth school in South Minneapolis. She is facing homelessness due to foreclosure on her home.
Come to the July 16-19 National Conference to Abolish Poverty: "Building the Unsettling Force"
The Social Welfare Action Alliance (SWAA - formerly Bertha Capen Reynolds Society) and the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC) invite your participation in our joint 2009 national conference. A number of us from here plan to attend as people from around the country are interested to hear the experiences of their "allies in Minneapolis." The conference will be held at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. Contact the MN PPEHRC office at 612-821-2364.
Click below for conference information:
www.economichumanrights.org Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. Check it out.
--
Arun Prabhakaran
t: 215.888.0889
e: prabhakaran.arun@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aprabhakaran
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/arunprabhakaran
Twitter: http://twitter.com/aruntis
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Friday, June 26, 2009
Video: Rosemary Williams is denied her day in court - Parts 1-3
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Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 2
Part 3
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Jordan Kushner, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Star-Tribune Article: Mpls. homeowner must post $50,000 bond to avoid eviction, judge rules
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Embattled homeowner needs to post a $49,940 bond by Monday. Her supporters may try to block the eviction.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://www.startribune.com/local/49133962.html?page=1&c=y
By ABBY SIMONS, Star Tribune
Last update: June 26, 2009 - 6:01 AM
A Minneapolis woman who has battled eviction could be forced out of her house as early as next week unless she can post a $50,000 bond.
Although negotiations between Rosemary Williams and GMAC Mortgage still are underway, Hennepin County District Judge Lloyd Zimmerman ruled Thursday that Williams must post a bond of $49,940 by Monday.
Public plea for donations
If Williams does not come up with the money, GMAC could obtain an eviction notice as soon as Tuesday. Williams and her supporters made a public plea for donations. Meanwhile, they vow to try to physically block the eviction and face arrest.
"We are absolutely outraged and think this is a violation of all her rights as a citizen," said Cheri Honkala, an activist for the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign and a friend of Williams. "This $49,000 determines whether she has a right to due process."
Honkala said "hundreds" would show up at the home to protest and try to prevent an eviction. Williams' home in the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue S. was sold in September as part of a foreclosure begun after she fell behind on payments on a second, adjustable-rate mortgage.
'Nuisance property' suit
After Williams, 60, failed to leave the house by March 30, GMAC went to court to have her evicted. Williams' attorneys fought the eviction, but on June 18 Judge Zimmerman granted GMAC summary judgment.
Separately, last month, the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) and 17 of Williams' neighbors filed a lawsuit contending that if Williams is forced out, her home will become another nuisance property in the neighborhood.
Zimmerman dismissed the suit, saying that because Williams lives at the property, all allegations of nuisances are hypothetical and that the plaintiffs failed to prove any "wrongful conduct" by GMAC.
In a statement, GMAC spokeswoman Jeannine Bruin said because Williams intends to appeal, she cannot discuss the ongoing court matter.
"GMAC Mortgage continues to be open to reaching an agreeable settlement with Ms. Williams in this matter," she wrote.
Williams' attorney, Jordan Kushner, said he expected the judge to require a bond but didn't expect it to be so high.
"GMAC Mortgage continues to be open to reaching an agreeable settlement with Ms. Williams in this matter," she wrote.
Williams' attorney, Jordan Kushner, said he expected the judge to require a bond but didn't expect it to be so high.
Abby Simons • 612-673-4921
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://www.startribune.com/local/49133962.html?page=1&c=y
By ABBY SIMONS, Star Tribune
Last update: June 26, 2009 - 6:01 AM
A Minneapolis woman who has battled eviction could be forced out of her house as early as next week unless she can post a $50,000 bond.
Although negotiations between Rosemary Williams and GMAC Mortgage still are underway, Hennepin County District Judge Lloyd Zimmerman ruled Thursday that Williams must post a bond of $49,940 by Monday.
Public plea for donations
If Williams does not come up with the money, GMAC could obtain an eviction notice as soon as Tuesday. Williams and her supporters made a public plea for donations. Meanwhile, they vow to try to physically block the eviction and face arrest.
"We are absolutely outraged and think this is a violation of all her rights as a citizen," said Cheri Honkala, an activist for the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign and a friend of Williams. "This $49,000 determines whether she has a right to due process."
Honkala said "hundreds" would show up at the home to protest and try to prevent an eviction. Williams' home in the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue S. was sold in September as part of a foreclosure begun after she fell behind on payments on a second, adjustable-rate mortgage.
'Nuisance property' suit
After Williams, 60, failed to leave the house by March 30, GMAC went to court to have her evicted. Williams' attorneys fought the eviction, but on June 18 Judge Zimmerman granted GMAC summary judgment.
Separately, last month, the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) and 17 of Williams' neighbors filed a lawsuit contending that if Williams is forced out, her home will become another nuisance property in the neighborhood.
Zimmerman dismissed the suit, saying that because Williams lives at the property, all allegations of nuisances are hypothetical and that the plaintiffs failed to prove any "wrongful conduct" by GMAC.
In a statement, GMAC spokeswoman Jeannine Bruin said because Williams intends to appeal, she cannot discuss the ongoing court matter.
"GMAC Mortgage continues to be open to reaching an agreeable settlement with Ms. Williams in this matter," she wrote.
Williams' attorney, Jordan Kushner, said he expected the judge to require a bond but didn't expect it to be so high.
"GMAC Mortgage continues to be open to reaching an agreeable settlement with Ms. Williams in this matter," she wrote.
Williams' attorney, Jordan Kushner, said he expected the judge to require a bond but didn't expect it to be so high.
Abby Simons • 612-673-4921
Labels: CANDO, Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Jordan Kushner, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams, Star Tribune
Thursday, June 25, 2009
MN PPEHRC: Breaking News - Judge rules that Rosemary Williams must post a bond of $40,000 to appeal foreclosure
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Today, in Minneapolis, Judge Zimmerman ruled for that Rosemary Williams would need to post a bond of $49,000 in order to appeal the foreclosure of her home. She can be evicted anytime beginning on Monday. PPEHRC members will speak about their response and plans at 2PM today at Rosemary Williams' home at 3138 Clinton Avenue South.
FOR MORE INFO: Call Cheri Honkala at 267-439-8419 or Ann Patterson at 612-940-1040
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
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