Nearly five years into the foreclosure mess and it already feels as if the crisis has been with us forever. Evidence is mounting that the housing crash is more than a financial crisis. There are multiple crises going on at once. The family crisis, job crisis, legal crisis, economic and health crisis show the heartbreaking effects of foreclosure on every family.
Imagine the despair. Maybe you’re a mother or a father. The bank is going to take your house. Maybe you’ve lost your job, which got you into this mess in the first place. And without a job, you and maybe your dependents are without health insurance. You’re supposed to be the one supporting your family and you’ve failed at providing the most basic needs. What happened to the American Dream?
The foreclosure process is incredibly difficult for many people. It’s the loss of that dream. It will be important for all of us to take a serious look at the "foreclosure crisis" as millions more face the end of their dreams in 2012. What happens to people who lose their homes? Will those responsible for the massive crimes ever be prosecuted? Will the victims ever be fully compensated? Will Congress take a final stand against Big Banks and their influence in Washington? Who will stand with the American families?
Politicians and those in authority have failed to help the people. Yes, the banks "got bailed out and the homeowners got sold out". The victims continue to struggle to get help. Our Court system continues to side with the banks while the investigations continues to be dragged on with no end insight.
Occupy LA is fully engaged in the foreclosure crisis. Since the beginning of our occupation at Los Angeles City Hall the 99% movement has been working hard in helping families fight for their homes. During our two month occupation, we held countless meetings, discussions and proposals on the foreclosure issues. Many homeowners attended workshops and classes to help them understand the crisis. During the City Hall occupation, Occupy LA installed a large "foreclosure tent" to assist those in need of help, providing strategic planning, support and resources to the victims.
Days following the eviction of Occupy LA from the grounds of City Hall
As Mayor Villaraigosa ordered the shutting down of the occupation at City Hall, Occupy LA was fully engaged in helping Angelino’s protecting their homes. Following the now infamous eviction, "the movement" successfully closed down a Bank of America foreclosure auction in the City of Norwalk. The bank was selling over 7,000 homes at a public auction. Many of those homes had questionable and fraudulent documentation. Other homes were been sold behind the homeowner’s backs while they awaited approval of their home loan modifications.
Experts are saying that in 2012 there will be as much as 10 million new foreclosures. OLA plans to be concentrating their efforts in helping homeowners fight for what belongs to them and will stand against the greed of the 1%.
—originally published on Occupied Los Agnes Times Issue #2
