The Occupy Wall Street movement has launched a new effort to reclaim foreclosed homes from bailed-out banks. On Tuesday, activists staged a national day of action dubbed “Occupy Our Homes,” partnering with displaced families to return to homes lost to foreclosure. In New York City, hundreds of people toured a Brooklyn neighborhood beset with vacant homes.

Senia Barragan, Occupy Wall Street Organizer: “This particular neighborhood is really, as one of the speakers said, ground zero of the foreclosure crisis perhaps in New York City. The foreclosure and underwater rates in this particular community is three times higher than any region of Brooklyn and five times higher than New York state. And so, really we’re bringing the Occupy movement to ground zero.”

Later in the day, the activists helped a homeless family reclaim a vacant home seized by Bank of America. The home had been unoccupied for three years.

Alfredo Carrasquillo: “We took matters into our own hands and claimed back property that was taken away from the community. I love the fact that the community is out here to support us and that all these people came out to support us. I love the fact that we’re embraced with open arms, and I look forward to the future and creating a home here with my family.”