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Home » Video » NOW on PBS | Homes for the Homeless?

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NOW on PBS | Homes for the Homeless? | PBS

Duration: 25:36 (Full Program)
Program: NOW on PBS #526
Broadcast Date: Jun. 26, 2009

American streets are littered with foreclosed houses, but one daring advocate says they shouldn't go to waste. He encourages and facilitates homeless "squatting." It's an idea that addresses two issues at once — homelessness and foreclosed homes — and it's also completely illegal. NOW ON PBS travels to Miami to meet with Max Rameau, a long-time advocate for the homeless. Rameau's organization, Take Back the Land, identifies empty homes that are still livable and tries to find responsible families willing to take the enormous legal risks of moving in.

Rameau, who considers his mission an act of civil disobedience, says it's immoral to keep homes vacant while there are human beings living on the street. While these vocal squatters have morality in their hearts, they don't have the law on their side.

With the faltering economy separating so many people from their homes, what's society's responsibility to those short on shelter?

NOW Online will feature the latest facts and figures on homelessness, state-by-state help, as well as a video report on the new and surprising face of the homeless: the middle class.

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Post Date: June 27, 2009