Occupy Our Homes Group Protests Fannie Mae in Attempt to Save Desert Storm Vet's Home

Supporters of Occupy Our Homes Atlanta, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other allies protested at Fannie Mae in Buckhead on Wednesday afternoon in an effort to stop the eviction of Desert Storm veteran Mark Harris.

The group of about 50 protestors set up a makeshift mock house as part of the demonstration, while holding up signs on the sidewalk in front of Buckhead's Atlanta Plaza, home of Fannie Mae's regional headquarters.

According to Occupy Our Homes Organizer Shab Bashiri, the mock house was used to "represent the millions of homes Fannie Mae has foreclosed and left empty in our Country. We need solutions, not evictions and foreclosures.”

During the protest, which last from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, supporters delivered a petition of 9,000 signatures from people across the country who want Harris to be able to remain in his home of 17 years.

This action, one of 11 around the country, is part of the launch for the Homes For All campaign uniting homeowners, renters, public housing residents and those who are homeless to fight for affordable and secure homes. 

UPDATE: Keosha Burns, a representative for Fannie Mae emailed Buckhead Patch the following statement after this story ran:

"For the last several months, Fannie Mae has engaged with Mr. Harris to work out a solution to allow him to remain in the home.  We have made numerous offers, but Mr. Harris has been unable or unwilling to accept any of them.  Unfortunately, we do not have any other options to offer Mr. Harris.  Any homeowner who is struggling to make their payments should contact their servicer or Fannie Mae immediately.  Our goal is to prevent foreclosures whenever we can, and homeowners must work with us to do that.  Homeowners can visit www.knowyouroptions.com for more information and resources.  Any homeowner in Atlanta with a Fannie Mae loan can call our Atlanta Mortgage Help Center at (866) 442-8573 for assistance in pursuing their options."