Tagged: occupy detroit

The “Occupy our Homes” movement has taken up the cause of Fred Shrum, another homeowner facing foreclosure in Metro Detroit.

The group is a coalition of anti-foreclosure groups, organized labor, and other activists with the Detroit “Occupy” movement.

So far, their protests on behalf of people facing foreclosure have helped keep four Metro Detroit families in their homes—including one case where protesters blocked a dumpster that came to clear out the house.

Those families were able to re-negotiate terms with their lenders.

A Metro Detroit family says they’ll stay in their home, despite threats of eviction. Their action is part of a new initiative coordinated by the national “Occupy” movement.

Rob and Debbie Henry live in the Detroit suburb of Southgate. They got a mortgage loan modification after Debbie had a stroke and lost her job.

The Henrys thought they were following the terms of that process. But a confusing series of events ensued that included their loan being sold to Fannie Mae without their knowledge.

Now, the Henrys face eviction, but plan to defy orders to leave—something they see as an act of civil disobedience.

Debbie Henry says Fannie Mae has given them “no options” to stay in the house.

While the Occupy Detroit movement has vacated Grand Circus Park for the winter, they are not slowing down in getting their message out, and as the Huffington Post Detroit reports, they are trying out new avenues to make an impact.

The Huffpost's Kate Abbey-Lambertz writes:

Shannon McEvilly, an activist with Occupy Detroit who works with the media and women's working groups, has taken on the task of voter registration and education as a new element of Occupy Detroit's efforts in the city.

Most participants in the Occupy Detroit movement have ended their stay in a downtown park as a permit for their
presence neared an end.

Last week, the Detroit City Council gave Occupy Detroit protesters a one-week extension until Monday night to remain at Grand Circus Park.

About 150 people were taking part in the protest that began Oct. 14. WJRT-TV reported Monday night that most participants were gone hours ahead of the deadline.

The city last month denied a request for a 45-day permit.

It wasn't immediately known if any of the protesters remained at the park late Monday. The Associated Press left a message for Detroit police seeking comment.

It looks like “Occupy Detroit” won’t be forced out of downtown Detroit’s Grand Circus Park immediately.

The group’s permit expires Monday, but Occupy protesters want the city to extend it for another two weeks.

It appears they will do so, though the Detroit City Council won’t finalize the issue until Tuesday. Detroit Police also say they’ll follow the Council’s lead, and won’t evict protesters.

Occupy Detroit participants says an extension will benefit everyone.

It appears the city of Detroit is looking to clear out the “Occupy Detroit” encampment.

“Occupy" campers have been settled in downtown Detroit’s Grand Circus Park for nearly a month. That site has served as a gathering point for several larger protests.

But the group’s permit is set to expire Monday. Officials indicated they’ll then begin enforcing a 10 pm curfew at the park.

Participant Jessica Dawl said the “Occupy” group applied for permit extensions, which the city denied. She said it’s widely thought the city is cracking down in advance of Detroit’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade.

“It’s definitely because of the parade," Dawl said. "They don’t want us here because of the parade. Because the bleachers are in this park…and it’s national, on television. So, they don’t want us there.”

It’s not clear whether all of the protesters plan to clear out voluntarily. Dawl said they will meet Saturday to decide their future course of action.

DETROIT (AP) - A permit allowing a group to camp out overnight  in a Detroit park while protesting the roles of Wall Street and banks  in the nation's economic troubles is scheduled to expire next week.

Lucianna  Sabgash of Occupy Detroit said Thursday city workers  have posted signs stating Grand Circus Park closes at 10 p.m. She says the permit runs out on Monday, but the group is  expected to seek a renewal.

The group pitched tents Oct. 14 in the park. Protesters have  staged several marches in Detroit. Sabgash is a 30-year-old Wayne State University student. She said a large number of people "are probably going to come here to make a stand" Monday if the group is evicted.

The Associated Press left a message seeking comment from Mayor  Dave Bing's office.