Occupy Chattanooga will be hosting a foreclosure defense forum at Tatum Park on Thursday evening. The forum beings at 5:45 p.m. and will include guest speakers who have successfully defended homes and a church against foreclosures in other cities.
Hamilton County residents who are struggling to make monthly mortgage payments, those under the threat of foreclosure or already in foreclosure, and those facing eviction are urged to attend. Family members and friends who are concerned about a loved one's ability to pay for housing, as well as anyone who is concerned about the housing crisis, are also invited.
Guest speakers will include an activist from Occupy Our Homes Atlanta. Occupy Our Homes Atlanta has helped 11 homeowners and a church congregation save their properties from foreclosure through legal proceedings, bank negotiations and direct action. A representative of the Home Defender's League will also speak, explaining how his organization uses direct action and organizing to help save homes.
A Chattanooga resident will tell about his experience accessing the federal government's Hardest Hit Fund to save his home from foreclosure.
In addition, Occupy Chattanooga will provide an information tent where those attending can get information about home foreclosure defense, the Hardest Hit Fund and the local housing justice movement.