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OccupyMN Protesters Brave Snow, Battle Foreclosures

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Occupy Wall Street protesters said they won't let the snow stop them from spreading their message.

Protesters plan to spend the night Saturday in makeshift tents at the Hennepin County Government Plaza, but authorities might have different plans. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Department said that if the temperature falls below 25 degrees or if a significant amount of snow falls, protesters would have to leave the plaza.

The protesters said they'd stay until forced to leave.

"We do intend to keep a presence here through the winter," one protester said. "I'm not sure how many over the winter, but our goal is to continue to keep people here."

The protesters are also looking for an organization to sponsor them so they can hold meetings indoors during the winter months.

Occupy Foreclosed Homes

Along with Occupying the Government Plaza, protesters are occupying the foreclosed home of a University of Minnesota professor.

Saturday, protesters prevented firefighters from boarding up a home by turning themselves into a human chain.

"Ain't no power like the power of the people, 'cause the power of the people don't stop," the protesters chanted while standing around the home, which is located on 25th Avenue South in Minneapolis.

Police responded to the house occupation, but no one was arrested.

"We are here to send a message to U.S. Bank to demand that they need to negotiate with families...to keep them in their homes," one protester said. "Because having an empty house on our block isn't good for anyone."

A similar protest is being held at one other home in Minneapolis.

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