Protesters Say "Dream House" Raffle a Distraction from Real Housing Woes

Members of Occupy Redwood City (ORWC) joined Occupy Bay Area United (OBAU) and other anti-foreclosure and anti-eviction activists at an "Occupy the Dream House" press conference and speakout today.

Their purpose: To send the message that raffles and lotteries are a tax on the poor and create false expectations. They said policies and laws should be put back in place to invest in people to grow the economy. The demonstrators chose the day before the raffle winner is chosen to bring attention to economic injustice and call on local communities, elected officials, and government agencies to do more to help people stay in their homes.

Protestors said the Occupy the Dream House Press Conference/Action in front of the Dream House in Menlo Park served to demonstrate the stark contrast of hardworking people who are trying to save their homes from billion-dollar corporations and the “Let Them Eat Cake” mentality of the big financial institutions.