Squat 2 Own Realty has its beginnings in the streets of Richmond in late 2008. We built from the movement around a squat called Battery Tracks, which played a key role in drawing attention to the problem of abandoned properties in Richmond. As the economic downturn started to take its toll on the city, we saw widespread foreclosures, not to mention the increased problem of speculators and slumlords. Squat 2 Own Realty seeks to end these problems by giving people in need of housing the tools and knowledge they need to take over and take care of abandoned properties in the city.

Squat 2 Own Realty has come about out of necessity. The lack of leadership from the city on the housing crisis and outdated property laws have made direct action in the form of squatting the best way to protect our communities. We want to see our city become a place where no livable house stands empty and no person has to be homeless.