Some squat in abandoned homes as survival, others as lifestyle choice

Squatting has roots that trace back to the founding of the United States. Throughout the country, the practice of squatting — back then known as homesteading — was essential to forming the nation. Yet when most people think about modern-day squatters, they think of criminals or crust punk anarchists who are “giving the middle finger” to a capitalist nation. The reality is, the face of squatters has changed since the Great Recession.