No One Leaves protesters heading to Washington D.C.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Members of the Springfield chapter of "No One Leaves" have boarded a bus bound for the nation's capital.

Springfield families fighting foreclosure and eviction from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are joining a national protest in Washington D.C.

They rallied on Oakland Street Wednesday before heading off to join forces with other so-called "Fannie/Freddie Fighters” from across the country.

Debrah Nowell, who is fighting foreclosure in Springfield, told 22News, "We're just looking for that second chance. We don't wanna be homeless. We have so much homelessness. We don't want to be in that category."

Rose Webster-Smith, who is in a similar situation, explained, "Fannie Mae foreclosed on my home while we were in the middle of a modification process. And now, instead of accepting our rent, they're moving to evict us from our home."

The protesters say they're fighting for everyone at risk of losing their homes, and are prepared to practice civil disobedience during Thursday's protests in Washington D.C. and Virginia.