Monday, January 25, 2010
MN PPEHRC Update: Heads up, Kangaroo Court to be Convened 2/1 @ 4:30 PM.
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Kangaroo Court to be convened Monday, February 1st at 4:30pm
Join the "Minnesota Four" resisters and supporters in front of Barbara Byrd's duplex in Brooklyn Park. We'll carpool from Hiawatha and Lake Street-directions will follow on Wednesday.
Barbara STILL has not received ANY response from EMC Mortgage to her request that she remain three more months in her home. You'll witness a reenactment of Judge Alton's dismissing Barbara's case on October 22nd, 2009 -hissing and booing welcome. (Some background on her case available at www.mnppehrc.wordpress.com where you can search on Barbara Byrd.)
Next you'll hear the POWERFUL PEOPLE's COURT rule in favor of Barbara against EMC Mortgage who assumed her Kangaroo Adjustable Rate Mortgage that she took out in 2005. She's been trying to get her loan modified ever since her payments jumped to an outrageous level two years ago. Heard at last, heard at last, great God almighty she is heard at last!
Updates on Linda Norenberg, Leslie Parks, and Ann Patterson
More good news for Linda! Chase bank returned to the table with an even better offer with payments that she can in fact afford on her family home in Robbinsdale. The bank has yet to document their offer in writing, so she will be holding out until her terms ARE met!
Leslie recently settled with the bank regarding her illegal lockout! Currently she is in negotiation to save her house in south Minneapolis.
Ann is into her fourth month of making trial payments to Wells Fargo on her Mineapolis home on a temporary basis. Meanwhile, while her frustration-level continues to rise as over and over again, the bank keeps demanding more documentation. Time may be on her side. The NYTimes just reported Friday that the Treasury will introduce changes next week to help fend off foreclosures, quoting a Valparaiso professor, the "Treasury has to find a way to compel the banks to take a hit." Our response-duh! The PEOPLE've been saying that for years...
SO PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS AS WE HEIGHTEN PUBLIC AWARENESS, IN FEBRUARY, OF THE DEEPENING FORECLOSURE CRISIS IN MINNEAPOLIS, BROOKLYN PARK, AND ROBBINSDALE.
Join the "Minnesota Four" resisters and supporters in front of Barbara Byrd's duplex in Brooklyn Park. We'll carpool from Hiawatha and Lake Street-directions will follow on Wednesday.
Barbara STILL has not received ANY response from EMC Mortgage to her request that she remain three more months in her home. You'll witness a reenactment of Judge Alton's dismissing Barbara's case on October 22nd, 2009 -hissing and booing welcome. (Some background on her case available at www.mnppehrc.wordpress.com where you can search on Barbara Byrd.)
Next you'll hear the POWERFUL PEOPLE's COURT rule in favor of Barbara against EMC Mortgage who assumed her Kangaroo Adjustable Rate Mortgage that she took out in 2005. She's been trying to get her loan modified ever since her payments jumped to an outrageous level two years ago. Heard at last, heard at last, great God almighty she is heard at last!
Updates on Linda Norenberg, Leslie Parks, and Ann Patterson
More good news for Linda! Chase bank returned to the table with an even better offer with payments that she can in fact afford on her family home in Robbinsdale. The bank has yet to document their offer in writing, so she will be holding out until her terms ARE met!
Leslie recently settled with the bank regarding her illegal lockout! Currently she is in negotiation to save her house in south Minneapolis.
Ann is into her fourth month of making trial payments to Wells Fargo on her Mineapolis home on a temporary basis. Meanwhile, while her frustration-level continues to rise as over and over again, the bank keeps demanding more documentation. Time may be on her side. The NYTimes just reported Friday that the Treasury will introduce changes next week to help fend off foreclosures, quoting a Valparaiso professor, the "Treasury has to find a way to compel the banks to take a hit." Our response-duh! The PEOPLE've been saying that for years...
SO PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS AS WE HEIGHTEN PUBLIC AWARENESS, IN FEBRUARY, OF THE DEEPENING FORECLOSURE CRISIS IN MINNEAPOLIS, BROOKLYN PARK, AND ROBBINSDALE.
Labels: Barbara Byrd, EMC Bank, Foreclosure, Linda Norenberg, MN PPEHRC
Sunday, January 3, 2010
MNPPEHRC 2009 Year-End Recap
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Fredrick Douglass declared in his 1857 speech, "If there is no struggle there is no progress."..and."Power concedes nothing without a demand." Looking back over 2009, a year of hope amid despair, we activists made progress indeed through almost constant struggle.THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!
Galvanizing neighborhoodsIn January we started moving homeless families into vacant houses only to see the police quickly force people back out into the cold. So we launched the Underground Railroad in February as a way for people to help one another in time of need by physically moving those who are being evicted, storing their possessions, and providing temporary shelter.
Rosemary's refusing to leaveBy March, calls from the homeless declined as homeowners facing foreclosure started contacting us, reporting that banks were giving them the run-around. We brought in a social justice legal team to support Rosemary Williams' fight to save her home while our volunteers petitioned her neighborhood and joined demonstrations to stop sheriff sales on into April. Thus began joint actions with the MN Coalition for a People's Bailout.
Spreading resistanceFrequent press conferences and demonstrations, pressuring the banks to remodify adjustable rate mortgage loans like Rosemary's, caught the attention of the media. As spring turned into summer, other at-risk homeowners drew inspiration from Rosemary's resolve to stay in her house. Soon they too stepped out from their private lives to join the resistance. Martin Luther King Jr. once described this radicalization process: "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." Our own Leslie Parks remembers, "I had always lived a quiet life under the radar until the bank foreclosed on my mom." Today Leslie's home is a bold public display of her stand for social justice.
Fighting in CourtIn June, Rosemary's lawyers and finance giant GMAC's lawyers went to court. To the shock of the courtroom full of supporters, the judge denied all of Rosemary's motions. Later in a follow-up conference call again sided with GMAC, effectively stopping future negotiations.
"The courtroom, one of the supposed bastions of democracy, is essentially a tyranny. The judge is monarch," as Howard Zinn pointed out in Declarations of Independence. So it should have come as no surprise when Barbara Byrd, one of our longest-fighting resisters, filed a motion against her bank for violations, that the judge threw her case out of court leaving supporters stunned, her lawyer gasping. Barbara filed an immediate appeal, then called for a healing.
Communities coming togetherMN Clergy and Laity Against Foreclosures and Evictions drew neighborhood and faith communities together by conducting an August prayer vigil in front of Rosemary's, and a prayer meeting on the north side in the weeks that followed. Food poured in for supporters and neighbors who joined the 33-day 24/hour occupation of Rosemary's home after her first eviction that protesters thwarted.
Exposing Mortgage lending negligence and incompetenceThe U.S. "Constitution set up a government that the rich could depend on to protect their property," (again, from Howard Zinn). The result? Our system not only is unjust, but grossly inefficient. Take for example large financial institutions with problems in inter-departmental communication. Barbara Byrd on December 22nd received notification from her lender that they owed her $19.67 for a previous inspection. Remember, Barbara's duplex had been in foreclosure for months, with eviction imminent since July. Moreover, the bank's lawyers have YET to respond to her October appeal!
Leslie Parks endured not one but TWO illegal lockouts from her house by the bank. Apparently the right hand (administration) did not know what the left (inspections and foreclosure) was doing. The first illegal lockout took place in May BEFORE the sheriff's sale and the second happened December 8th, eight days after the end of her redemption period. Leslie with her lawyer and supporters will take the bank to court for this one at 9am on January 21st.
Declaring victoriesMartin Luther King, Jr. believed that "Direct action and legal action complement one another; when skillfully employed, each becomes more effective." At a November press conference in front of the Leslie Parks' house as eviction day approached, an independent reporter asked what could we do? "Call the bank," Leslie replied. After just three days of flooding the bank with calls from supporters and members of the MN Coalition for a People's Bailout with contacts from all over, the bank cancelled the sheriff's sale and CAME TO THE TABLE November 30th. The bank asked her what terms she wanted to get her house back! On December 9th the CEO personally CALLED her to apologize for the second lockout, thereby placing her in an unprecedented strong negotiating position.
In August, Linda Norenberg and Ann Patterson told their stories on KFAI radio featuring the "Minnesota Five." Three minutes after one broadcast, a lawyer who resides in Robbinsdale where Linda lives called to volunteer Linda her services. Suddenly the bank was on the defensive, ready-after over seven months-to negotiate. Meanwhile, Ann, after more than eight months of desperate attempts to renegotiate her loan with the bank, looks forward to the possibility of a permanent solution in January.
Turning setbacks into opportunitiesRosemary bravely proclaimed "IT's NOT OVER" after her brutal eviction on 9/11. Protesters who were arrested that night must make their first court appearance in January. The stress of fighting foreclosure took a heavy toll on the well-being of resisters and families. James Blair, Ona Kingbird, and countless others were forced to pick up pieces of their lives move on, leaving their blocks in desolation. While Rosemary still remains homeless, she is being invited to speak and inspiring others around the country- even across the Atlantic!! She has learned that residents of countries like Denmark and Sweden are shocked at the extent of U.S. mortgage loan fraud, past and present.
Unstoppable momentum thrusting us into 2010
Democracy Now reported as climate talks closed in Copenhagen."the US slammed through a flimsy agreement that was negotiated behind closed doors." Yet "concerned citizens who marched, held vigils and sent messages to their leaders helped to create unstoppable momentum in the global movement for climate justice." Back here in Minnesota while bankers meet behind closed doors, outside we shall continue to build momentum toward a two-year moratorium on foreclosures and evictions. We will keep up the pressure for support of politicians and community organizations for those in need of shelter, and increase public awareness of the OUR COLLECTIVE POWER to effect change during this ever-deepening crisis. Onward!
Check out our New Year's website! www.mnppehrc.wordpress.com/
Galvanizing neighborhoodsIn January we started moving homeless families into vacant houses only to see the police quickly force people back out into the cold. So we launched the Underground Railroad in February as a way for people to help one another in time of need by physically moving those who are being evicted, storing their possessions, and providing temporary shelter.
Rosemary's refusing to leaveBy March, calls from the homeless declined as homeowners facing foreclosure started contacting us, reporting that banks were giving them the run-around. We brought in a social justice legal team to support Rosemary Williams' fight to save her home while our volunteers petitioned her neighborhood and joined demonstrations to stop sheriff sales on into April. Thus began joint actions with the MN Coalition for a People's Bailout.
Spreading resistanceFrequent press conferences and demonstrations, pressuring the banks to remodify adjustable rate mortgage loans like Rosemary's, caught the attention of the media. As spring turned into summer, other at-risk homeowners drew inspiration from Rosemary's resolve to stay in her house. Soon they too stepped out from their private lives to join the resistance. Martin Luther King Jr. once described this radicalization process: "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." Our own Leslie Parks remembers, "I had always lived a quiet life under the radar until the bank foreclosed on my mom." Today Leslie's home is a bold public display of her stand for social justice.
Fighting in CourtIn June, Rosemary's lawyers and finance giant GMAC's lawyers went to court. To the shock of the courtroom full of supporters, the judge denied all of Rosemary's motions. Later in a follow-up conference call again sided with GMAC, effectively stopping future negotiations.
"The courtroom, one of the supposed bastions of democracy, is essentially a tyranny. The judge is monarch," as Howard Zinn pointed out in Declarations of Independence. So it should have come as no surprise when Barbara Byrd, one of our longest-fighting resisters, filed a motion against her bank for violations, that the judge threw her case out of court leaving supporters stunned, her lawyer gasping. Barbara filed an immediate appeal, then called for a healing.
Communities coming togetherMN Clergy and Laity Against Foreclosures and Evictions drew neighborhood and faith communities together by conducting an August prayer vigil in front of Rosemary's, and a prayer meeting on the north side in the weeks that followed. Food poured in for supporters and neighbors who joined the 33-day 24/hour occupation of Rosemary's home after her first eviction that protesters thwarted.
Exposing Mortgage lending negligence and incompetenceThe U.S. "Constitution set up a government that the rich could depend on to protect their property," (again, from Howard Zinn). The result? Our system not only is unjust, but grossly inefficient. Take for example large financial institutions with problems in inter-departmental communication. Barbara Byrd on December 22nd received notification from her lender that they owed her $19.67 for a previous inspection. Remember, Barbara's duplex had been in foreclosure for months, with eviction imminent since July. Moreover, the bank's lawyers have YET to respond to her October appeal!
Leslie Parks endured not one but TWO illegal lockouts from her house by the bank. Apparently the right hand (administration) did not know what the left (inspections and foreclosure) was doing. The first illegal lockout took place in May BEFORE the sheriff's sale and the second happened December 8th, eight days after the end of her redemption period. Leslie with her lawyer and supporters will take the bank to court for this one at 9am on January 21st.
Declaring victoriesMartin Luther King, Jr. believed that "Direct action and legal action complement one another; when skillfully employed, each becomes more effective." At a November press conference in front of the Leslie Parks' house as eviction day approached, an independent reporter asked what could we do? "Call the bank," Leslie replied. After just three days of flooding the bank with calls from supporters and members of the MN Coalition for a People's Bailout with contacts from all over, the bank cancelled the sheriff's sale and CAME TO THE TABLE November 30th. The bank asked her what terms she wanted to get her house back! On December 9th the CEO personally CALLED her to apologize for the second lockout, thereby placing her in an unprecedented strong negotiating position.
In August, Linda Norenberg and Ann Patterson told their stories on KFAI radio featuring the "Minnesota Five." Three minutes after one broadcast, a lawyer who resides in Robbinsdale where Linda lives called to volunteer Linda her services. Suddenly the bank was on the defensive, ready-after over seven months-to negotiate. Meanwhile, Ann, after more than eight months of desperate attempts to renegotiate her loan with the bank, looks forward to the possibility of a permanent solution in January.
Turning setbacks into opportunitiesRosemary bravely proclaimed "IT's NOT OVER" after her brutal eviction on 9/11. Protesters who were arrested that night must make their first court appearance in January. The stress of fighting foreclosure took a heavy toll on the well-being of resisters and families. James Blair, Ona Kingbird, and countless others were forced to pick up pieces of their lives move on, leaving their blocks in desolation. While Rosemary still remains homeless, she is being invited to speak and inspiring others around the country- even across the Atlantic!! She has learned that residents of countries like Denmark and Sweden are shocked at the extent of U.S. mortgage loan fraud, past and present.
Unstoppable momentum thrusting us into 2010
Democracy Now reported as climate talks closed in Copenhagen."the US slammed through a flimsy agreement that was negotiated behind closed doors." Yet "concerned citizens who marched, held vigils and sent messages to their leaders helped to create unstoppable momentum in the global movement for climate justice." Back here in Minnesota while bankers meet behind closed doors, outside we shall continue to build momentum toward a two-year moratorium on foreclosures and evictions. We will keep up the pressure for support of politicians and community organizations for those in need of shelter, and increase public awareness of the OUR COLLECTIVE POWER to effect change during this ever-deepening crisis. Onward!
Check out our New Year's website! www.mnppehrc.wordpress.com/
Labels: Foreclosure, Leslie Parks, Linda Norenberg, MN PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Thursday, December 10, 2009
MN PPEHRC: Update 12/09/09
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The Scoop on Leslie's lockout
Finally, after a long day, Leslie Parks is back in her home! This morning, we went to Housing Court and filed papers against IndyMac/One West for doing an unlawful lockout. In a preliminary order, the judge ruled that IndyMac must let Leslie back in her home.
Next we met with Leslie's lawyer who is eager to take her case, particularly since the bank did this to her before. Meanwhile, THE CEO of IndyMac, Terry Laughlin, CALLED LESLIE PERSONALLY, leaving a message that included an apology!!! Later on the phone, through her lawyer, Terry Laughlin explained that they were taking full responsibility for the lockout, and again he wished to offer great apologies to the Parks family. "I want to become personally involved in this" he added. He also said that locksmiths had been standing by outside Leslie's house for hours, waiting for us.
It took the locksmiths over two hours to fix all the locks at Leslie's house. In all eight locks had to be replaced - including padlocked closet doors in the basement and interior of the house - there was a lot of senseless damage done to wrench open locked doors.
NEXT LEGAL STEP:
Housing Court Hearing regarding the illegal lockout.
Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 8:30 a.m.
Hennepin County Government Center, Third floor
Thanks to everyone who spread the word and did calls so we were able to get this outcome. We will never stop the pressure until Leslie gets her house back at terms she can afford!
Minnesota Coalition for a People’s Bailout: 612-822-8020, mn-peoples-bailout.org
Poor People’s Economic Human Campaign: 651-497-4644, economichumanrights.org
Update on Linda Norenberg
Good news! Chase bank returned to the table with a better offer, more affordable, but with payments still too high for comfort.
Linda is getting more hopeful that negotiations can proceed in her favor. One by one, we can keep families together and SAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS!
Upcoming Video Productions
Barbara Byrd is still in her home and has heard not one word from EMC bank. So rather than sit around anxiously, she has decided to put up lights and decorate for the holidays! In a few weeks, she and Linda will appear on a program produced by Eric Angel at SPNN (time/date to be announced). All of the Minnesota Five foreclosure resisters were together in-studio this week taping a public access (MTN) documentary that is being produced by Luis Alvrenga. His work involves training the homeless in video production-camera, sound, lighting, editing. The focus of the documentary will be on how the MN Five are fighting foreclosure. Also on the panel is Donna Fletcher speaking for the thousands of renters in our state who face homelessness due to eviction.
HISTORY PROVES THAT IF WE KEEP ON FIGHTING INJUSTICE, THE STRONGER WE BECOME UNTIL AT LAST, BULLIES BACK DOWN. BUT WE CANNOT GO UP AGAINST THEM ALONE....Also the longer we suffer in silence and allow bullying to continue, the worse it gets.
Peace Everyone . . . .
Finally, after a long day, Leslie Parks is back in her home! This morning, we went to Housing Court and filed papers against IndyMac/One West for doing an unlawful lockout. In a preliminary order, the judge ruled that IndyMac must let Leslie back in her home.
Next we met with Leslie's lawyer who is eager to take her case, particularly since the bank did this to her before. Meanwhile, THE CEO of IndyMac, Terry Laughlin, CALLED LESLIE PERSONALLY, leaving a message that included an apology!!! Later on the phone, through her lawyer, Terry Laughlin explained that they were taking full responsibility for the lockout, and again he wished to offer great apologies to the Parks family. "I want to become personally involved in this" he added. He also said that locksmiths had been standing by outside Leslie's house for hours, waiting for us.
It took the locksmiths over two hours to fix all the locks at Leslie's house. In all eight locks had to be replaced - including padlocked closet doors in the basement and interior of the house - there was a lot of senseless damage done to wrench open locked doors.
NEXT LEGAL STEP:
Housing Court Hearing regarding the illegal lockout.
Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 8:30 a.m.
Hennepin County Government Center, Third floor
Thanks to everyone who spread the word and did calls so we were able to get this outcome. We will never stop the pressure until Leslie gets her house back at terms she can afford!
Minnesota Coalition for a People’s Bailout: 612-822-8020, mn-peoples-bailout.org
Poor People’s Economic Human Campaign: 651-497-4644, economichumanrights.org
Update on Linda Norenberg
Good news! Chase bank returned to the table with a better offer, more affordable, but with payments still too high for comfort.
Linda is getting more hopeful that negotiations can proceed in her favor. One by one, we can keep families together and SAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS!
Upcoming Video Productions
Barbara Byrd is still in her home and has heard not one word from EMC bank. So rather than sit around anxiously, she has decided to put up lights and decorate for the holidays! In a few weeks, she and Linda will appear on a program produced by Eric Angel at SPNN (time/date to be announced). All of the Minnesota Five foreclosure resisters were together in-studio this week taping a public access (MTN) documentary that is being produced by Luis Alvrenga. His work involves training the homeless in video production-camera, sound, lighting, editing. The focus of the documentary will be on how the MN Five are fighting foreclosure. Also on the panel is Donna Fletcher speaking for the thousands of renters in our state who face homelessness due to eviction.
HISTORY PROVES THAT IF WE KEEP ON FIGHTING INJUSTICE, THE STRONGER WE BECOME UNTIL AT LAST, BULLIES BACK DOWN. BUT WE CANNOT GO UP AGAINST THEM ALONE....Also the longer we suffer in silence and allow bullying to continue, the worse it gets.
Peace Everyone . . . .
Labels: Barbara Byrd, Chase Home Mortgage, EMC Bank, Foreclosure, Foreclosure 5, Hennepin County, IndyMac, Leslie Parks, Linda Norenberg, Minneapolis, MN PPEHRC, One West
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
MN PPEHRC: Recap of Week of Oct 9th
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MN PPEHRC: Recap of Week of Oct 9th
POLITICIANS CONTINUE TO STALL ON HOUSING CRISIS
WE DEMAND AN EMERGENCY MORATORIUM AND WILL LAUNCH A PETITION DRIVE
Where the MN 5 are as of October 9th
Barbara Byrd needing our support in district court coming up a week from Wednesday at 1pm, Oct. 21st
Linda Norenberg waiting to hear about possible offer from her lender
Ann Patterson told by Wells Fargo she must gather documents to prove that
Leslie Parks installing placard in from of her home ticking off foreclosures at 1.5 million estimated by www.responsiblelending.org; with 13 million in next 5 years...Hmmm, what crisis?
Rosemary Williams continuing to inspire others' resistance, welcoming flowers on Clinton Ave. home fence-Leslie has permanent flowers to give those who'd rather not leave fresh flowers to die. Read Rosemary's World Habitat Day comments (see link below).
Thurs. Oct. 8th: MN Clergy and Laity Against Foreclosure and Evictions
meeting at the Mayor's office
Rev. Loren McGrail arranged a meeting with mayor Policy Aide Cara Letofsky who gathered with clergy, the Mpls. Foreclosure project coordinator, and a foreclosure counselor. Rev. McGrail declared the meeting to be the beginning a "relationship" around how to deal with the crisis. Key questions raised were how to get the banks to do right, and how to pay for utilities once landlords bail out if a moratorium were issued. Mark Van Steenwyk will be setting up a Google group for the faith-based initiative.
Tues. Oct. 6th: Northside Community Summit: The housing crisis: What Can We Do?
Sponsored by the Bailout coalition and other groups, some attendees were renters whose voices NEED TO BE HEARD. The main result? "Contact your representatives." Gosh I never thought of that!!
Mon. Oct. 5th in Mpls: Ellison's Forum on the Foreclosure Crisis Identifying Problems and Sharing Solutions
Ellison kept repeating... politicians cannot lead on this-initiatives must come from the people! Leslie Parks and others raised the roof!
Monday, Oct. 5th in DC
Four of the MN Five at U.S. HUD in DC
We picketed outside and then attended sessions in conjunction with Zero Evictions Days and World Habitat Day. Security forces were diverted by Cheri and the MN resisters, but despite the secret service, Rosemary briefly was able to get to the microphone. We were joined by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), the National Alliance of HUD Tenants (NAHT), as well as the General Secretary of the Habitat International Coalition (HIC), the leading global housing rights coalition, headquartered in Santiago, Chile.
That afternoon Cheri Honkala led our MN/Mississippi/PA contingent to Capitol Hill for sessions with staff at the offices of MN Representatives Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison,Travis Childer (Miss), Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters (CA). They listened and took notes on our stories from THE PEOPLE (they usually hear from lobbyists). Most promising was the response from California legislative assistant Chris Lee who invited us to return to DC for a briefing on the crisis from the perspective of homeowners in foreclosure. Best of all, Ms. Waters' aide offered to help us if Keith Ellison lets us down!
For slides and an account of PPEHRC at World Habitat Day:
http://old.economichumanrights.org/m4ol/dailyreport/labels/International%20Alliance%20of%20Inhabitants.html
For further information
Contact the MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign
Cheri Honkala: 267-439-8419 Lynette Malles 651-497-4644
POLITICIANS CONTINUE TO STALL ON HOUSING CRISIS
WE DEMAND AN EMERGENCY MORATORIUM AND WILL LAUNCH A PETITION DRIVE
Where the MN 5 are as of October 9th
Barbara Byrd needing our support in district court coming up a week from Wednesday at 1pm, Oct. 21st
Linda Norenberg waiting to hear about possible offer from her lender
Ann Patterson told by Wells Fargo she must gather documents to prove that
Leslie Parks installing placard in from of her home ticking off foreclosures at 1.5 million estimated by www.responsiblelending.org; with 13 million in next 5 years...Hmmm, what crisis?
Rosemary Williams continuing to inspire others' resistance, welcoming flowers on Clinton Ave. home fence-Leslie has permanent flowers to give those who'd rather not leave fresh flowers to die. Read Rosemary's World Habitat Day comments (see link below).
Thurs. Oct. 8th: MN Clergy and Laity Against Foreclosure and Evictions
meeting at the Mayor's office
Rev. Loren McGrail arranged a meeting with mayor Policy Aide Cara Letofsky who gathered with clergy, the Mpls. Foreclosure project coordinator, and a foreclosure counselor. Rev. McGrail declared the meeting to be the beginning a "relationship" around how to deal with the crisis. Key questions raised were how to get the banks to do right, and how to pay for utilities once landlords bail out if a moratorium were issued. Mark Van Steenwyk will be setting up a Google group for the faith-based initiative.
Tues. Oct. 6th: Northside Community Summit: The housing crisis: What Can We Do?
Sponsored by the Bailout coalition and other groups, some attendees were renters whose voices NEED TO BE HEARD. The main result? "Contact your representatives." Gosh I never thought of that!!
Mon. Oct. 5th in Mpls: Ellison's Forum on the Foreclosure Crisis Identifying Problems and Sharing Solutions
Ellison kept repeating... politicians cannot lead on this-initiatives must come from the people! Leslie Parks and others raised the roof!
Monday, Oct. 5th in DC
Four of the MN Five at U.S. HUD in DC
We picketed outside and then attended sessions in conjunction with Zero Evictions Days and World Habitat Day. Security forces were diverted by Cheri and the MN resisters, but despite the secret service, Rosemary briefly was able to get to the microphone. We were joined by the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), the National Alliance of HUD Tenants (NAHT), as well as the General Secretary of the Habitat International Coalition (HIC), the leading global housing rights coalition, headquartered in Santiago, Chile.
That afternoon Cheri Honkala led our MN/Mississippi/PA contingent to Capitol Hill for sessions with staff at the offices of MN Representatives Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison,Travis Childer (Miss), Barbara Lee and Maxine Waters (CA). They listened and took notes on our stories from THE PEOPLE (they usually hear from lobbyists). Most promising was the response from California legislative assistant Chris Lee who invited us to return to DC for a briefing on the crisis from the perspective of homeowners in foreclosure. Best of all, Ms. Waters' aide offered to help us if Keith Ellison lets us down!
For slides and an account of PPEHRC at World Habitat Day:
http://old.economichumanrights.org/m4ol/dailyreport/labels/International%20Alliance%20of%20Inhabitants.html
For further information
Contact the MN Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign
Cheri Honkala: 267-439-8419 Lynette Malles 651-497-4644
Labels: Foreclosure, Linda Norenberg, MN PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams, World Zero Evictions Days 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
MN PPEHRC: Foreclosure resistance update for the week of Sept. 14-19
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Flowers welcome at Rosemary's Boarded-up Home as memorial
Teachers/parents/children/everyone encouraged to pick flowers from community gardens or your own and drape them over her fence along with cards and messages of support, grief, outrage, encouragement, congratulations on her stand, etc. Spread the word!
Wednesday, September 16th
Barbara Byrd's Eviction Court Hearing at 1pm-Room number will come with listserve update on Monday
Room Hennepin County Court House, 300 South 6th Street, room 1453
Barbara is one of five Twin Cities women refusing to leave their homes. She was served her eviction summons in July and needs our support!! She has lived in her neighborhood in Brooklyn Park for 10 years. JOIN US IN COURT!
Friday, September 18th, 11-noon on KFAI, 90.3 FM
Tune in to a live update on the Minnesota Five with Rosemary Williams, Linda Norenberg, Barbara Byrd, Ann Patterson and me on Catalyst at 11am and then continuing back-to-back on Don Olson's show at 11:30am.
Friday, September 18th, 6pm in Robbinsdale
Linda Norenberg's FUNRaising Italian dinner and bonfire with drumming
Linda Norenberg, represented by Kelly McCormack, is filing a motion to contest her eviction based on Citibank's not having met the rules of MN statute 580. It will cost $400 to file this motion, so come on out to Linda's family home!
Plenty of rhythm instruments provided. If you play winds or strings, BRING 'EM ON!
2750 McNair Drive Phone: 763-529-3571
Why not bring things to sell? Winter clothing, household items, objects of art...whatever you don't need- and think others might want- will be set out [but PLEASE take your items home with you if unsold].
Email a reply if you need a ride-cars will leave from in front of Rosemary's at 5:30pm.
Saturday, September 19th all-day forum at Sabathani-raise the call for a MORATORIUM!
KFAI is hosting a conference at Sabathani Community Center focusing on issues surrounding the housing & mortgage foreclosure crisis in the Twin Cities. Everyone is invited to participate in this free event, designed to look at the current challenges and create action plans towards solutions. Snacks and lunch provded. The MN Coalition for a People's Bailout is presenting, and MN PPEHRC will have a table. Come and share your experiences with an audience that may not as yet faced the reality of the banks' lack of integrity and the paralysis of institutions, most organizations and agencies mandated to respond to the crisis.
In interested, you may call KFAI or register online: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=tDjIqMfPjx5xep8mgw1aAA_3d_3d
**************************************************************************************************
For questions on any of the above, contact Linden at 612-296-5649 or Lynette at 651-497-4644.
BICYCLISTS: you'll love the ride up through Wirth Park.
Teachers/parents/children/everyone encouraged to pick flowers from community gardens or your own and drape them over her fence along with cards and messages of support, grief, outrage, encouragement, congratulations on her stand, etc. Spread the word!
Wednesday, September 16th
Barbara Byrd's Eviction Court Hearing at 1pm-Room number will come with listserve update on Monday
Room Hennepin County Court House, 300 South 6th Street, room 1453
Barbara is one of five Twin Cities women refusing to leave their homes. She was served her eviction summons in July and needs our support!! She has lived in her neighborhood in Brooklyn Park for 10 years. JOIN US IN COURT!
Friday, September 18th, 11-noon on KFAI, 90.3 FM
Tune in to a live update on the Minnesota Five with Rosemary Williams, Linda Norenberg, Barbara Byrd, Ann Patterson and me on Catalyst at 11am and then continuing back-to-back on Don Olson's show at 11:30am.
Friday, September 18th, 6pm in Robbinsdale
Linda Norenberg's FUNRaising Italian dinner and bonfire with drumming
Linda Norenberg, represented by Kelly McCormack, is filing a motion to contest her eviction based on Citibank's not having met the rules of MN statute 580. It will cost $400 to file this motion, so come on out to Linda's family home!
Plenty of rhythm instruments provided. If you play winds or strings, BRING 'EM ON!
2750 McNair Drive Phone: 763-529-3571
Why not bring things to sell? Winter clothing, household items, objects of art...whatever you don't need- and think others might want- will be set out [but PLEASE take your items home with you if unsold].
Email a reply if you need a ride-cars will leave from in front of Rosemary's at 5:30pm.
Saturday, September 19th all-day forum at Sabathani-raise the call for a MORATORIUM!
KFAI is hosting a conference at Sabathani Community Center focusing on issues surrounding the housing & mortgage foreclosure crisis in the Twin Cities. Everyone is invited to participate in this free event, designed to look at the current challenges and create action plans towards solutions. Snacks and lunch provded. The MN Coalition for a People's Bailout is presenting, and MN PPEHRC will have a table. Come and share your experiences with an audience that may not as yet faced the reality of the banks' lack of integrity and the paralysis of institutions, most organizations and agencies mandated to respond to the crisis.
In interested, you may call KFAI or register online: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=tDjIqMfPjx5xep8mgw1aAA_3d_3d
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For questions on any of the above, contact Linden at 612-296-5649 or Lynette at 651-497-4644.
BICYCLISTS: you'll love the ride up through Wirth Park.
Labels: Ann Patterson, Barbara Byrd, Hennepin County, Linda Norenberg, Rosemary Williams
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Linda Norenberg filing motion against Citibank!
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Resistance rising from the inner ring!
Linda Norenberg, represented by Kelly McCormack, is filing a motion to contest her eviction based on Citibank's not having met the rules of MN statute 580. In Housing Court today, the judge scheduled another Citibank hearing for Friday, September 18th. If the court decides that Linda's motion is frivolous, Citibank will call for a writ of eviction on the 18th. However if there IS a basis for Linda's motion, Citibank's case will be suspended, and a new court date will be set for hearing Linda's motion.
It will cost $400 to file this motion, so come on out for Linda's fundraising dinner at her family home!
Saturday, September 12th, 6pm start
Join us for dinner and bonfire in Robbinsdale
2750 McNair Drive Phone: 763-529-3571
Why not bring things to sell? Winter clothing, household items, objects of art...whatever you don't need- and think others might want- will be set out [but PLEASE take your items home with you if unsold].
Email a reply if you need a ride-cars will leave from in front of Rosemary's at 5:30pm.
BICYCLISTS: you'll love the ride up through Wirth Park.
Linda, one of five Twin Cities women refusing to leave their homes, was served her eviction summons last Friday. Join us in supporting Linda's fight to STAY IN HER HOME! Never underestimate the POWER of the PEOPLE!
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REMINDER: Barbara Byrd's court date is September 16th at 1pm in Room 1453 in District court. More soon on her case.
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Save our homes Prayer Meeting Thursday, September 10, 7:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to a Prayer Meeting to stop foreclosures and evictions (flyer attached for distribution)
Wayman AME Church, 1221 7th Ave. North Minneapolis
(North side of Olson Highway, past the library)
Join Rosemary and supporters on September 10!
Sweet Hour of Prayer! Sweet Hour of Prayer!
that calls me from a world of care....
Time to name the pain of losing our homes
Time to lament, sing and pray
Time to seek comfort and support
Time to renew our strength for the battles ahead
Download the Prayer Meeting Flyer
Organized by the MN Clergy and Laity Against Foreclosures and Evictions, Wayman AME Church the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (612-821-2364) and the MN Coalition for a People's Bailout (612-822-8020).
Linda Norenberg, represented by Kelly McCormack, is filing a motion to contest her eviction based on Citibank's not having met the rules of MN statute 580. In Housing Court today, the judge scheduled another Citibank hearing for Friday, September 18th. If the court decides that Linda's motion is frivolous, Citibank will call for a writ of eviction on the 18th. However if there IS a basis for Linda's motion, Citibank's case will be suspended, and a new court date will be set for hearing Linda's motion.
It will cost $400 to file this motion, so come on out for Linda's fundraising dinner at her family home!
Saturday, September 12th, 6pm start
Join us for dinner and bonfire in Robbinsdale
2750 McNair Drive Phone: 763-529-3571
Why not bring things to sell? Winter clothing, household items, objects of art...whatever you don't need- and think others might want- will be set out [but PLEASE take your items home with you if unsold].
Email a reply if you need a ride-cars will leave from in front of Rosemary's at 5:30pm.
BICYCLISTS: you'll love the ride up through Wirth Park.
Linda, one of five Twin Cities women refusing to leave their homes, was served her eviction summons last Friday. Join us in supporting Linda's fight to STAY IN HER HOME! Never underestimate the POWER of the PEOPLE!
***************************************************************************************************
REMINDER: Barbara Byrd's court date is September 16th at 1pm in Room 1453 in District court. More soon on her case.
***************************************************************************************************
Save our homes Prayer Meeting Thursday, September 10, 7:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to a Prayer Meeting to stop foreclosures and evictions (flyer attached for distribution)
Wayman AME Church, 1221 7th Ave. North Minneapolis
(North side of Olson Highway, past the library)
Join Rosemary and supporters on September 10!
Sweet Hour of Prayer! Sweet Hour of Prayer!
that calls me from a world of care....
Time to name the pain of losing our homes
Time to lament, sing and pray
Time to seek comfort and support
Time to renew our strength for the battles ahead
Download the Prayer Meeting Flyer
Organized by the MN Clergy and Laity Against Foreclosures and Evictions, Wayman AME Church the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign (612-821-2364) and the MN Coalition for a People's Bailout (612-822-8020).
Labels: CitiBank, Kelly McCormack, Linda Norenberg
Friday, August 14, 2009
Inspired by Williams, second homeowner vows eviction fight
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by Elizabeth Baier, Minnesota Public Radio
August 12, 2009
Original Article: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/12/woman-resists-eviction/
Robbinsdale, Minn. — Rosemary Williams' public battle to stay in her foreclosed home has inspired at least one other Twin Cities woman, who now vows to resist eviction from her own home in Robbinsdale.
Linda Norenberg sat on her front steps Wednesday and said she would fight eviction like Williams, who has staged a months-long rally and gathered support from several community organizations.
"We're both 60 years old. We're both in family-owned houses," Norenberg said Wednesday. "I want to stay here. I love it here. I love the neighborhood."
The two women met over the weekend when Norenberg joined other activists outside Williams' Minneapolis home. Williams told the crowd she will remain in the house despite being ordered to leave by Hennepin County Sheriff's deputies.
On Wednesday, it was Williams who sat on Norenberg's steps, holding a sign that read "Save Mom's Home." Williams vowed to continue to encourage other foreclosed homeowners to remain in their homes.
"Why would we want to lose a person that's so rooted in the community?" Williams said. "It makes no sense. None at all."
Norenberg's house has been in her family for 65 years. She said her father built the home in 1944, and she bought in 1977 after he died.
Her problems began when she had to refinance her home twice over the years because of job loss and low wages. She said she lost her job as a school bus driver after getting a DWI in 2003.
It was my first DWI ever," she said. "I had been driving for a living for many years."
Norenberg was unable to keep up with the $1,200 monthly mortgage payments, and the house was sold at a sheriff's sale in January. Chase Home Mortgage sold the house to CitiMortgage for $91,000, Norenberg said.
Norenberg was supposed to leave July 30, but has remained in the home, despite the risk of arrest. She now who makes $9.45 an hour working as a supermarket cashier and said she wants to renegotiate with her lender.
"I'm still in the house and I'm on pins and needles," said Norenberg, adding that the sheriff has not served her with an eviction order yet. "I'm stressed. I've got stuff packed up 'cause I don't know when they're going to come out."
August 12, 2009
Original Article: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/12/woman-resists-eviction/
Robbinsdale, Minn. — Rosemary Williams' public battle to stay in her foreclosed home has inspired at least one other Twin Cities woman, who now vows to resist eviction from her own home in Robbinsdale.
Linda Norenberg sat on her front steps Wednesday and said she would fight eviction like Williams, who has staged a months-long rally and gathered support from several community organizations.
"We're both 60 years old. We're both in family-owned houses," Norenberg said Wednesday. "I want to stay here. I love it here. I love the neighborhood."
The two women met over the weekend when Norenberg joined other activists outside Williams' Minneapolis home. Williams told the crowd she will remain in the house despite being ordered to leave by Hennepin County Sheriff's deputies.
On Wednesday, it was Williams who sat on Norenberg's steps, holding a sign that read "Save Mom's Home." Williams vowed to continue to encourage other foreclosed homeowners to remain in their homes.
"Why would we want to lose a person that's so rooted in the community?" Williams said. "It makes no sense. None at all."
Norenberg's house has been in her family for 65 years. She said her father built the home in 1944, and she bought in 1977 after he died.
Her problems began when she had to refinance her home twice over the years because of job loss and low wages. She said she lost her job as a school bus driver after getting a DWI in 2003.
It was my first DWI ever," she said. "I had been driving for a living for many years."
Norenberg was unable to keep up with the $1,200 monthly mortgage payments, and the house was sold at a sheriff's sale in January. Chase Home Mortgage sold the house to CitiMortgage for $91,000, Norenberg said.
Norenberg was supposed to leave July 30, but has remained in the home, despite the risk of arrest. She now who makes $9.45 an hour working as a supermarket cashier and said she wants to renegotiate with her lender.
"I'm still in the house and I'm on pins and needles," said Norenberg, adding that the sheriff has not served her with an eviction order yet. "I'm stressed. I've got stuff packed up 'cause I don't know when they're going to come out."
Labels: Chase Home Mortgage, Eviction, Foreclosure, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Linda Norenberg, Rosemary Williams
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