New York has long been a leader in protecting affordable homeownership, recognizing the power of owning a home to provide stability today and build intergenerational wealth for the future. The Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) is central to this effort, resolving individual crises while strengthening communities. Yet gaps remain in the state’s social safety net that put homeowners and neighborhoods at risk. Each year, more than 20,000 New Yorkers face the loss of an estimated $1.2 billion in home equity, while counties and localities risk the loss of approximately $5 million in property tax revenue. While existing initiatives serve many homeowners, a sustainable pool of recyclable capital is required to fill these gaps. At a time of shrinking federal support, New York has the opportunity to lead again by creating a permanent resource to prevent foreclosure and financial distress.

We propose an evergreen, statewide MAP+, built on HOPP's proven infrastructure, to rescue 1,000 homes from foreclosure each year. MAP+ will provide zero-interest loans—repayable upon sale or transfer—to cover mortgage arrears, property taxes, water/sewer debt, and other housing costs. The program will also assist homeowners with tangled title, manufactured homes, co-ops, and condos, designed to ensure relief for the full range of housing types statewide.

With continued HOPP funding from the Governor, Legislature, and strategic partners—including programmatic and enforcement support from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), state agencies, and community organizations—MAP+ will be integrated into the HOPP network of housing counselors and legal service providers for seamless delivery. Policymakers can enable this by committing $20 million annually for each of five years, creating a revolving pool totaling $100 million initially, with multiple pathways to funding: through the state's housing plan, the general fund, or targeted earmarks. Based on the Center’s experience with similar revolving funds, repaid loans will return an estimated additional $15 million over the first 10 years of the program.

MAP+ is a fiscally responsible, equity-driven investment. It will prevent foreclosure and homelessness, preserve generational wealth in disparately impacted communities, reduce long-term public costs, and strengthen housing stability statewide. By establishing MAP+, New York can become the first state in the nation to launch an evergreen, scalable homeowner assistance program—one that meets the moment and protects the future of our homeowners and communities.