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.
Trial to stave off activist's eviction gets pushed back for more talks
GMAC Mortgage wants "further conversations" with Rosemary Williams and attorneys. Some had vowed disobedience in protest.
By RANDY FURST, Star Tribune
Last update: April 28, 2009 - 9:00 PM
A trial to evict a Minneapolis woman from her foreclosed house has been rescheduled for May 26 after the mortgage company that now owns the house said it wanted to have "further conversations" with the woman and her attorneys.
The trial had been scheduled to begin Tuesday. But at a news conference, Rosemary Williams, who lost her house on the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue to foreclosure in September, said lawyers from GMAC Mortgage, the new owner, had called her attorney to ask for the postponement and raised the possibility of negotiating with her.
Jeannine Bruin, executive director of mortgage communications for GMAC Financial Services, declined to comment on what was being discussed.
After Williams failed to leave the house by March 30, GMAC went to court to have her evicted by sheriff's deputies. At a hearing last week, Williams' attorneys asked for a trial on the issues.
Several groups that support a foreclosure moratorium have vowed to use civil disobedience to prevent her eviction.
Williams said she had been unable to make escalating payments on a second mortgage.
In court papers, her attorney Jordan Kushner said GMAC "should not be permitted to harm the community for purposes of property speculation, particularly where it is receiving billions of dollars in federal taxpayer funds for the ostensible purpose of helping homeowners avoid foreclosure."
While declining to discuss Williams' case, Bruin said "in general," once GMAC buys a foreclosure house, its typical options are to market it individually or combine it with other properties it owns and sell it to investors.
"It can be marketed as vacant or may be marketed as tenant-occupied," she said. "We do have a program called 'cash for keys' that provides funding to the borrower for relocation assistance, and we can also work with the borrower on a reasonable timeline to vacate the property."
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/
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 . . . .
The Minnesota Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign is calling for community support to fight the imminent eviction of Leslie Parks from the duplex where she has lived for 21 years. Tents are pitched on her lawn with signs like “10% of homelessness results from foreclosure.” Press conference to be held at Ms. Parks’ at 3749 Park Ave. South in Mpls. tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21st, at 4:30 pm.
The redemption period for the Parks’ residence ends November 20th , 2009. Now is the time for the community to show support for our Minnesota Five women who are resisting foreclosure.
--Press conference-- Wednesday, October 21st, 4:30 p.m. Leslie’s duplex: 3749 Park Ave. S, Minneapolis
Foreclosure evictions push people into homelessness. To highlight this crisis, tents will be going up not only in the Parks’ yard but in the yard of Ann Patterson who is in pre-foreclosure, desperately trying for months to negotiate with Wells Fargo to lower her mortgage payments. Both Ann and Leslie work full time. More encampments will go up on college campuses in the area. They will call attention to big financial institutions that get billions of dollars to avoid losses from their bad loans, while victimized homeowners still get thrown out on the street.
Winter is upon us. The current housing crisis is so DEEP that we are urging emergency passage of a foreclosure-moratorium bill that our governor vetoed last spring. This Wednesday we are launching a foreclosure moratorium petition drive throughout the city to let legislators know that ACTION IS NEEDED AT ONCE.
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:
Creating prayer vigils, prayer meetings (Rev. Reff at Wayman AME and Rev. Denise Dunbar-Perkins, from Westminister) and other ways to support the women and connect people of faith with the campaign to stop foreclosures and evictions
Worship materials (theological reflection, prayers, sermon—Table Scraps or the One Whole Loaf by Rev. McGrail
Articles : Sojourner Magazine article by Mark Van Steenwyk (Mennonite pastor)
Attending meeting with different coalition groups
Join marches and speak-outs with MN Poor People’s Economic and Human Rights Campaign or MN Coalition for a People’s Bailout on the issues including asking the Mayor for a Foreclosure Moratorium
Other ideas for churches:
Assist in fundraising for women so they can hold onto their homes or buy them back
Adult Education Forum on the foreclosure crisis---with coalition folk or the women
Needs
Financial support for web developer and website; setting up group list
Budget for office supplies for printing and photocopying,
Mileage & phone
$$$ for organizing time with women, coalitions, & faith communities
Coordinating the Clergy and Laity Group (emails, meetings)
Thirty-five days into the popular occupation of 3138 Clinton, Rosemary Williams (one of five Minnesota women publicly resisting eviction - TCIMC/PPEHRC video) was inside her home when it was raided by the Minneapolis Police Department around 2:45pm Friday afternoon. Three supporters were inside. Police claimed they would give ample time to move out remaining belongings, and those inside did so, aided by several dozen who rallied to the scene.
But later in the afternoon, the MPD's plan for a quiet, obedient eviction was foiled. After rallying the crowd, a handful of activists crossed the yellow tape roping off Clinton Avenue on either side of the house and were promptly assaulted by the police with kicks and pepper spray. Other supporters crossed the now-removed yellow tape from the opposite direction to ensure the activists' safety. Officers responded aggressively; one shoved someone to the ground with a two-handed shove to the chest. A TC Indymedia volunteer was sprayed directly in the face while on the "public" side of the police tape.
Four or five people sat down in front of the house in an act of civil disobedience. An officer pointed to another man standing motionless with the crowd outside the police cordon, grabbed him and arrested him. Eventually, seven were taken waiting vans in the alley and arrested. An MPD spokesman said they were charged with obstruction of legal process, though they have not actually been formally charged as of tonight. This video (1:50) shows the police conduct during the civil disobedience.
Related video: Before the arrests
Upcoming: Saturday 10am Leaflet at 7th/Hennepin outside Obama event | Sunday 2pm Press conference outside Rosemary's house
Have videos, photos, or updates? Post them as a comment or publish to the newswire.
At the time of the raid, occupants of the house were preparing for a two-year-old's birthday party. The party was moved to a nearby home. MPD spokesman Jesse Garcia later lied in front of reporters by denying that the child's party had been disrupted.
Garcia was later heard saying into his cell phone what sounded like, "we look like the bad guy." Certainly, any prospect of the MPD appearing benevolent disappeared as afternoon turned into evening. Although one or two officers were reportedly helpful - as helpful as one can be while evicting a 55-year block resident - during the process, most were unsurprisingly rude with neighbors and supporters as well as disrespectful to Rosemary's belongings.
A man and woman from the MPD crime lab were inside the police lines, taking video and photo of activists. For a significant time they refused to identify themselves, but eventually gave their badge numbers after extended jeers from the crowd.
As police milled about, outraged activists and many immediate neighbors joined in chanting, "Who's house? Rosemary's house," "Housing is a human right! Eviction is a crime" and "Let Rosemary stay!"
The building was boarded - or, more accurately, the windows were sealed shut by unfamiliar sheets of durable metal - by workers from Vacant Property Security of Chicago, Illinois (where the Cook County Sheriff has boldly declared a moratorium on foreclosure evictions). The special materials are supposedly designed to make breaking in more difficult. They were also used on the second story windows; the city of Minneapolis typically only boards the first-floor windows of vacant buildings.
According to City Council member Elizabeth Glidden, who has offered tepid support for Rosemary throughout her struggle, private security has been hired by mortgage company GMAC to patrol the property, and the MPD will not pay it special attention. A man wearing a private security uniform arrived on the scene as police and protestors prepared to leave, and spoke with an officer. He refused to identify himself or his company, or say whether his company was the one hired to patrol.
Glidden said the police action "makes no sense," and was saddened by the scene Friday. She says she "scoured what she could do" and "tried to be a personal advocate for Rosemary," though some supporters have questioned her commitment to seeing Rosemary keep her home no matter the method. She refused to condemn the MPD, saying they were "caught in the middle." Notably absent from the scene of the raid, however, were any other seated politicians, including mayor RT Rybak.
A FOX 9 TV cameraman arrived, though other TV stations were notably absent. The day's corporate news was instead dominated by the 9/11 anniversary, a pending Barack Obama visit to Minneapolis, and the funeral of a North St. Paul police officer killed on Monday while responding to a domestic violence incident (the suspect was himself shot and killed by a fellow officer). Print, radio and independent media flocked to the scene, however, including a German reporter on assignment from the Washington Post who had been in Minneapolis to cover the occupation
Just before 5pm, Rosemary emerged for the first time from inside her house, holding a bouquet of flowers in the air to applause from the crowd, which began to chant, "It's not over yet!"
Soon thereafter the civil disobedience and arrests began. As the arrested activists - some going limp - were dragged to the alley away from the crowd and most media, many began call-and-response chants with the gathered suporters. Those who had been pepper sprayed directly had their eyes washed out with water. People berated the police for their rough treatment of the arrestees.
Ironically, the MPD dragged at least one arrestee through Rosemary's house, out of view, to the backyard to be loaded into the booking van.
Shortly after the action subsided, one officer's arm was being bandaged with what looked like a small blood stain soaking through.
Rosemary Williams was not one of those arrested.
Later, others were allowed to continue moving out some belongings. After a long wait, around 8pm, the workers finished boarding and drove away, followed by most police officers. When it was all done, a crowd of about three dozen still remained.
A Small Sampling of Overheard Professional Remarks from the Minneapolis Police Department:
Officer I. Raichert, pointing to a legal observers' cap (NLG legal observers have traditionally worn the green caps for years): "So, is that leftover from the RNC?"
Unknown officer leaning from second story window, to a supporter in a neighbor's yard: "If you don't get out of the yard, we'll put a 45mm in your face."
Unknown officer when asked about his badge while leaving: "I'll take it off and we can figure this out aruond back, if you want." He refused to give his badge number.
A south Minneapolis woman who had refused to leave her foreclosed home after being evicted last month has been removed from the house again.
More than 40 supporters of Rosemary Williams on Friday afternoon lined the yellow tape that police used to cordon off the property, chanting and yelling as workers boarded up the house with metal sheeting and friends helped Williams carry out boxes of personal items.
"It's not over yet," Williams told the crowd when she emerged from the house, smiling through tears as she held high a bouquet of flowers.
The largely peaceful rally briefly turned physical when several protesters crossed the tape, leading to a short scuffle during which police pepper-sprayed several people and arrested half a dozen.
Williams, 60, has fought a months-long battle against foreclosure, drawing wide attention to the house on the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue.
Friends and housing-rights activists have staged a round-the-clock sit-in with her at the house since Aug. 7, when Hennepin County sheriff's deputies ordered her to leave and changed the locks. Soon after they left, a group of Williams' supporters broke in and reopened the house.
On Friday, Williams and several others were in the house at about 2:30 p.m., eating lunch and getting ready for her 2-year-old grandson's birthday party, when they heard a knock on the door.
Outside stood Minneapolis Chief Deputy Rob Allen and more than a dozen police officers. "It's a sad situation," but the courts have ruled that GMAC Mortgage owns the house, Allen said. "The bottom line is that the property owners have a right to ask us to remove trespassers who don't belong on the property."
A case of bad timing
Police brought along a Salvation Army worker to help Williams find housing, but she declined assistance, Allen said.
Williams said Friday that she planned to go to a friend's house for the night and hold the interrupted party.
"The timing was bad. We didn't know she was planning a birthday party," said Allen, who said the police action had been scheduled in coordination with GMAC at a time when officers were available. "We feel bad about that."
Police arrested seven people at the house Friday; they were booked for misdemeanor offenses such as obstructing the legal process, he said.
Friday's crowd included Linda Norenberg, who said she is one of several metro-area women fighting foreclosure, just as Williams has. Norenberg said she was supposed to be out of her Robbinsdale home at the end of July. "I could be next. I don't know," she said.
Williams' troubles began after she took out an adjustable-rate mortgage. Her monthly payments rose from $1,200 to $2,200 when the rate increased. She lost her job and stopped making payments. As a result, the house, which she built with her mother 26 years ago, went into foreclosure and was sold at auction last fall.
Ordered to leave by March 30, she refused. The new owner, GMAC, went to court to have her evicted.
A GMAC spokeswoman, who could not be reached for comment late Friday, said earlier this summer that the company "tried to pursue every reasonable alternative" to keep Williams in her home.
GMAC has made several offers in the past few weeks that Williams has not accepted, according to Linden Gawboy, a volunteer with the Minnesota Coalition for a People's Bailout who had been staying at the house. At one point, the mortgage company offered her $5,000 to walk away. Later, they said she could rent the house for a year, Gawboy said.
Williams said a GMAC representative who came to the house with police on Friday gave her a check for $5,000 -- "blood money," Gawboy said.
"It would benefit them, it would benefit her, if they would just renegotiate a sensible mortgage," she said.
Williams said she handed the check to a coalition volunteer. "Why wouldn't they put that $5,000 on the mortgage?" she asked.
Minneapolis police officers removed Rosemary Williams from the home that she owned for nearly three decades on Friday afternoon. The 60-year-old grandmother had vowed to stay in the residence on the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue even after the home went into foreclosure and sheriff’s deputies evicted her from the premises last month. Williams almost immediately re-entered the property and continued to live there.
Her plight has become a rallying point for activists seeking a moratorium on foreclosures and more assistance for struggling homeowners. As Williams’ belongings were removed from the residence by supporters, at least 50 people gathered on the surrounding sidewalks. They chanted “Housing is a human right, eviction is a crime,” and “Not one more empty home, not one more homeless family.”
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
Shortly before 5 p.m. Williams peacefully departed the house carrying a few belongings. She ducked under the yellow crime tape that surrounded the street in front of her former home.
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
She was embraced by supporters who have kept a near constant vigil at her home in recent months.
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
Protesters then attempted to occupy the property and skirmished with police officers. Pepper spray was deployed to disperse the crowd.
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
About a half dozen protesters succeeded in planting themselves on the grass in front of Williams’ former home.
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
They were restrained with plastic handcuffs and arrested by the cops. At least one woman had to literally be carried away by the cops.
Photo: Paul Demko, Minnesota Independent
This woman continuously shouted “Who’s house? Rosemary’s house,” while she was being arrested.
By 6 p.m., seven protesters had been arrested, according to a release by the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, which has supported Williams throughout the process.
Minneapolis — Police arrested seven people today outside the foreclosed home of Rosemary Williams, a Minneapolis woman who has publicly refused to leave the property for months.
About a dozen Minneapolis police officers arrived at the south Minneapolis home this afternoon, at the request of GMAC Mortgage, the legal owner of the property. A private company boarded up the house with bright metal sheeting, after officers allowed Williams and several supporters to remove personal belongings.
The arrests occurred after protesters broke through plastic police tape roping off the property and sat down on the sidewalk. Police sprayed the group with pepper spray as they broke through the tape.
The protesters will likely be charged with misdemeanors for obstructing the legal process, police officials said.
Williams' lengthy fight to remain in her house has inspired several local homeowners to remain in their homes despite eviction orders. Three women facing foreclosure arrived at the property today to show their support.
"What good is this?" said Linda Nurenberg, a Robbinsdale woman who has refused to leave the foreclosed home her father built in 1944. "Another vacant house, and of course I'm scared I could be next."
Nurenberg has a motion pending to fight eviction from her home. She said she attended a prayer vigil with Williams last night, and characterized Williams' mood as upbeat, and grateful for community support. Larger view Police board up Williams' home
About 50 supporters stayed at the property throughout the early evening, chanting, "Foreclose the banks, not people's homes. Let Rosemary stay."
Minneapolis police spokesperson Sgt. Jesse Garcia, who spent his morning at the funeral of slain North St. Paul police officer Richard Crittenden, said that the heavy metal materials used to board up the house were unusual. A vacant home across the street has been boarded up with simple wood slabs for months.
"They secured my house with military armament," Williams said.
Activists outside the house speculated that breaking through the metal barriers would be difficult, if not impossible. They declined to comment on whether more civil disobedience is planned.
Police officers plan to remain at the property at least overnight to prevent trespassing.
Williams has been fighting eviction for months. GMAC said in a statement that it has attempted to negotiate several arrangements that would have allowed Williams to remain in her home, but they all fell through.
Williams was ordered to leave her property on Aug. 7, when Hennepin County sheriff's deputies served the eviction notice and changed the locks on her house. But a group of her supporters broke the locks and have been occupying the home ever since, vowing to stay despite the order.
"We intend to protest this," said activist Mick Kelly this afternoon. "Our goal is to get justice for Rosemary, to allow Rosemary to stay in her home."
Williams accepted a $5,000 check from GMAC this afternoon, but has not yet decided whether to cash it. A GMAC spokesperson said the company provided the money to help Williams relocate to a new residence.
"Today's actions were very difficult, and a regrettable end to 18 months of seeking a solution with Ms. Williams, with local non-profits and with the mortgage investor to keep her in the home on Clinton Avenue," said GMAC officials in a statement. "Unfortunately, Ms. Williams was chronically unable to meet her payment commitments under the adjustable rate mortgage she originated with BNC Mortgage."
Williams, who recently started working as a home health care assistant, vowed to continue her fight to purchase the property. She also plans to hand out flyers protesting foreclosure at President Obama's rally in Minneapolis tomorrow.
But Friday night, Williams' concerns are more immediate. While she was trying to decide where to spend the night, she realized she left her antique sewing machine in the boarded up garage.
"Oh well, it happens," Williams said. "With everything that's been going on these last few months, you never know what to expect."
Six people were arrested today at Rosemary Williams home today during a raid by Minneapolis police. Police carried Rosemary's belongings onto her front lawn.
The police raid late this afternoon happened at the same time that a birthday party for Rosemary's young grandchild was to be held.
Rosemary and her family are among several members of the Minnesota PPEHRC who are actively resisting foreclosure of their homes in the Twin Cities.
Rosemary Williams' home is currently being raided by the Minneapolis Police Department. This is occurring as the Twin Cities prepares for President Obama's visit.
Although this raid is occurring late on a Friday afternoon on the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we will not let them hide this crime.
The Foreclosure 5 in the Twin Cities will soon be taking their struggle to Washington D.C.
Please contact the offices of President Obama and Minneapolis Mayor Rybak demanding a Moratorium on Foreclosures Now!
For more information, call Minnesota PPEHRC at 612-940-1040 or Lynette Malles at 651-497-4644.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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."
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
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
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.
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!
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
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
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.'"
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."
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
by Madeleine Baran, Minnesota Public Radio June 18, 2009
Rosemary Williams at a May 26 protest outside the Hennepin County Government Center. Williams and supporters gathered to protest her pending eviction from her foreclosed home. (MPR Photo / Madeleine Baran)
St. Paul, Minn. — A Minneapolis woman who has resisted eviction from her foreclosed home for months needs to vacate it within seven days, a Hennepin County judge ruled Wednesday.
Rosemary Williams has attracted widespread attention in recent months, as she partnered with local activists to fight eviction from the south Minneapolis home where she has lived for 26 years.
"This case is not just about me ... This is about our whole country." - Rosemary Williams Negotiations with lender GMAC Mortgage will continue, but if a settlement is not reached, Williams, 60, will likely have no further legal recourse.
A separate lawsuit filed by her neighbors against her mortgage company was dismissed on Wednesday. The suit alleged that allowing foreclosed homes to sit vacant creates a public nuisance.
When Williams' mother died six years ago, Williams refinanced twice into an adjustable rate mortgage. The monthly payments shot up from $1,200 to $2,200. Her home was sold at a sheriff's auction in September.
Since April, activists have packed Williams' court hearings and held several rallies to call attention to the effect of foreclosures on low-income homeowners.
"This case is not just about me," Williams said before an April hearing. "This is about our whole country. We're here today to say the evictions have to stop."
Williams could not be reached for comment today.
In a statement released yesterday, GMAC spokesperson Jeannine Bruin stressed that efforts to negotiate with Williams will continue. "Even with the favorable judgment, our legal counsel met with the judge and Ms. Williams today to try to reach agreeable arrangements in this matter, as we did with Ms. Williams prior to the foreclosure and which we continue to do throughout these court proceedings," Bruin said.
Williams' supporters vow to engage in non-violent civil disobedience to prevent her eviction if a settlement is not reached. Activists say they are also prepared to conduct an emergency fundraising effort to help Williams pay any settlement costs.
"Right now, we're just crossing our fingers and praying," Cheri Honkala, an activist for the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign, said.
Rosemary Williams, left, at her south Minneapolis house on March 30. Her friend, Cheri Honkala, was helping her put signs on her front fence. Williams lost her home at a foreclosure sale in September.
Original Article: http://www.startribune.com/local/48295597.html?page=1&c=y The mortgage company followed foreclosure rules and a south Minneapolis woman must move out, judge ruled. But GMAC and the homeowner are still negotiating.
By ABBY SIMONS, Star Tribune
Last update: June 17, 2009 - 11:46 PM A woman who has battled eviction from her south Minneapolis house has seven days to vacate it, a Hennepin County judge ruled Wednesday, while a lawsuit filed by her neighbors and activists against her mortgage company to prevent her ouster has been dismissed.
However, Judge Lloyd Zimmerman's order does not mean the end of Rosemary Williams' legal battle against GMAC Mortgage, after the two sides met behind closed doors to discuss a potential settlement. No agreement was reached Wednesday evening, but talks will continue, said Jordan Kushner, one of Williams' attorneys.
Williams, 60, lost her home in the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue S. at a foreclosure sale in September after she fell behind on payments on a second, adjustable rate mortgage.
After Williams failed to leave the house by March 30, GMAC went to court to have her evicted by sheriff's deputies. Williams' attorneys asked for a trial on the issues. Separately, last month, the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) and 17 of Williams' neighbors filed a civil lawsuit contending that if Williams was forced to leave, her home would become another nuisance property in the neighborhood.
Williams was scheduled for trial next week in the housing court action, but Zimmerman granted GMAC's request for summary judgment, writing that GMAC acted within the law. He dismissed the lawsuit, 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.
"Were the court to create a new legal principle based upon the argument of Ms. Williams and her supporters, no bank or mortgage company would ever lend to people living in economically distressed neighborhoods because financial institutions could not rely on courts to honor contracts freely entered into between consenting adults," Zimmerman wrote.
A call to Williams was not returned. A GMAC representative also could not be reached.
Cheri Honkala, an activist for the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign and a friend of Williams', said neighbors are hoping for a resolution that will allow Williams to remain in her home. If not, they will plan civil disobedience to remain in the home, she said.
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009 The good news is that Judge Lloyd Zimmerman ORDERED a GMAC representative (one who is authorized to make a binding decision on Rosemary's case) to fly in to Mpls. for a 3:30 p.m. closed meeting tomorrow in the judge's chambers, together with Rosemary's lawyers, GMAC's lawyers and Rosemary. We assume the judge's goal is for GMAC to make a deal allowing her to stay in her home at an affordable rate. She has been paying on her home for 18 years.
The bad news is that the judge ruled out a jury trial on June 22nd. He also ruled against all of our legal arguments (see the end of this email for details on those legal arguments).
BUT the fact that he ordered GMAC to come to a mandatory mediation is extraordinary. It is clear that Rosemary and all parties involved have a morally compelling case. Now the main thing is to hope for real justice on Wednesday, June 17.
What's Next? Watch for posts tonight, Wednesday, June 17th, as to whether a resolution is reached in the afternoon. If YES, a block celebration party will be held soon on Rosemary's block.
If a GMAC wins a writ of eviction, stay tuned for a coalition of groups to follow up with Civil Disobedience training Tuesday evening June 23rd at 6pm in the gym at Sabathani Community Center. The very earliest that eviction could take place would be Wednesday June 24th. We'll issue a call for as many people as possible to sit in at Rosemary's house in resistance.
************* Here are some of the legal decisions Judge Zimmerman came to, along with some commentary:
* GMAC did not discriminate against Rosemary Williams on the basis of race, which would have violated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but in any case would not be binding under domestic law. GMAC is entitled to regain possession of the property based on a refinancing contract that Rosemary signed for an Adjustable Rate Mortgage loan at a value of $174,300. on August 31st, 2005. The judge upheld a summary judgment for GMAC to regain possession of their property. * The case for the human "right to housing" as defined in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights must be thrown out because the United States has not ratified the international treaty.
* The plaintiff's motion to intervene by neighbors and CANDO (Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization) to renegotiate Rosemary's loan so that she can remain in her home and care for it based on the likelihood that if she is evicted, it will remain vacant, thereby creating a nuisance in a neighborhood already blighted by vacated homes that have been vandalized, inviting crime. This motion was rejected based on GMAC's argument that because Rosemary is currently IN her home, she does not create a nuisance under Minnesota's nuisance statute. GMAC contended that if she were evicted, they would market the property, and it is only supposition that it would remain vacant.
In issuing his verbal ruling, Judge Zimmerman's comments were contradictory. On the one hand, he lamented the "dying of cities" and the "dying of neighborhoods," quoting at length from CANDO's allegations of their rapidly deteriorating neighborhood due to foreclosures. On the other hand, he stated that Rosemary "freely" entered into a contract with the lender and was not "swindled." He neglected to mention that the lender in no way tried to explain to Rosemary that her payments could and probably would skyrocket. Further, the judge pondered the question, "Why would a lender knowingly promote a loan that the mortgagor might not be able to repay? Hummm. Go figure! Once again, PROPERTY for PROFIT rules. When will the "law" catch up with people's reality by means of a moratorium on evictions?
ShareThis
