EUGENE, Ore. (KMTR) -- Occupy Eugene has been camping outside a foreclosed house in West Eugene for several weeks now. Today they decided to 'Paint the Picket'.
The house is located on the corner of Lawrence and 12th; Occupy Eugene members came together in solidarity on the project.
The fence they painted doesn't belong to them, but they've been stationed in the front yard of the home for about six weeks. The house was foreclosed upon more than two years ago. Police put Occupiers in contact with the owner, who gave the group permission to stay.
A spokesperson for Occupy Eugene says the owner identified with their cause. Today was all about bringing attention to foreclosures and working together.
“It just seemed a perfect project for Labor Day, you know, something to do positive in the community, to kind of uplift the neighborhood,” says Lee Deveau, an Occupy Eugene member.
“And also to demonstrate what it is, for people to come together and join in solidarity and help one another.”
Deveau says the middle and lower class are victims of a financial crisis they didn't create. They want to bring attention to the growing number of foreclosures and let people in similar situations know they're not alone.
Neighbors have been really receptive of their presence in the area, according to Deveau.
Today a few neighbors even joined in on the painting, saying they appreciate the community effort Occupy stands for.