Foreclosure1 Blog

There is a difference between foreclosed houses and dilapidated houses. The latter are rundown without any amenities, whereas in the case of foreclosed houses there is every possibility of the heat being on and water supply running. Thus foreclosed houses are ideal targets for squatters like Bando, an ex-convict. Bando dislikes being hemmed in by rules in shelters and much prefers the ambience and freedom of abandoned foreclosed houses – especially now that these are easily available. He has become quite a connoisseur and comments that the best bets are the new foreclosed units. Even with utilities being snapped off the foreclosed houses are ideal for the homeless. In turn the latter run the risk of bumping into drug peddlers, prostitutes, thieves and of course the police. Fires from use of candles often break out. But despite the negative points many find in foreclosed houses a great opportunity for shelter and privacy – all for free!

A survey conducted by Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless found that the number of those sleeping out in the open had dropped from 40 to 17. One reason for this was cited the easy availability of foreclosed houses apart from other reasons like aggressive cleaning of streets and footpaths and as well as setting up of homeless feeding centres. In Cleveland and suburban Cuyahoga County 15,000 units are ready to be foreclosed. It is not uncommon to see fires starting off from careless candles being lit. It just shows the determination of the homeless to find the best available shelter.

Larry James of Central Dallas Ministries in Texas comments that it is not surprising for many holing up in creeks and campgrounds to sneak into vacant houses.

Sheila Wilson is 50 and has been prowling around for years. She was vociferous during the regular check ins where the homeless underwent medical checkups, hair cuts and were served hot meals. She too prefers deserted foreclosed houses to anything else. It is great while it lasts. If one becomes too hot there is always another one. There seems to be no end to it.

Cleveland has a high foreclosure showing and consequently an increased number of vagrants moving into abandoned foreclosed units. If the homeless are thrown out the criminals and prostitutes move in. It is a vicious circle. Extra police protection is becoming necessary in places where there is a large concentration of foreclosed houses.

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