District 1 Alderwoman Lisa Subeck's Statement on Take Back the Land Action on Hammersley Road

Madison, WI - District 1 Alderwoman Lisa Subeck made the following statement in response to an announcement from Take Back the Land that they have assisted a homeless individual to occupy a foreclosed home on Hammersley Road. Take Back the Land is a fringe advocacy group that illegally occupies foreclosed homes in the name of helping the homeless. "I was disturbed to read today's announcement from Take Back the Land that they will hold a press conference at a southwest side home that the group has encouraged a homeless individual to occupy illegally. The actions of Take Back the Land serve to exploit homeless individuals in their attempt to garner media attention, while doing nothing to address the very serious problem of homelessness in our community. The home targeted by Take Back the Land is located in a fragile part of the Prairie Hills Neighborhood, where residents have worked hard to improve neighborhood conditions. It is my hope that vacant homes in the area will eventually be purchased and occupied by responsible residents who will make positive contributions to the neighborhood. The illegal actions of Take Back the Land simply present further challenges to an already struggling area. We cannot ignore the problem of homelessness in our community. As a city, we must work to ensure economic opportunity and affordable housing are available to all of our residents. I am committed to working toward real solutions to the issues of poverty and homelessness, but I cannot condone the illegal and exploitative actions of Take Back the Land."