Joint Statement from Kristin Brown, President and CEO of Empire Justice Center, and Christie Peale, CEO and Executive Director of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, on the Passage of the HOPP Codification Bill

Joint Statement from Kristin Brown, President and CEO of Empire Justice Center, and Christie Peale, CEO and Executive Director of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, on the Passage of the HOPP Codification Bill

“Yesterday marked an important step forward for New York homeowners: the New York State Legislature has overwhelmingly passed the HOPP codification bill, A1625A/S2627A, bringing us closer than ever to making permanent the free housing counseling and legal services that thousands of New York homeowners depend on to stay in their homes.

We are deeply grateful to our champions in the legislature particularly Assembly Housing Committee Chair Linda B. Rosenthal, Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages, and their colleagues in the Assembly passing the bill, as well as Senate Housing Committee Chair Brian Kavanagh, whose tireless advocacy for New York homeowners made codification a priority. As he concludes his tenure in the State Senate this year, the passage of this bill stands as a fitting tribute to his legacy.

We are also grateful that Governor Hochul fully funded HOPP in the last two executive budgets. The governor has consistently demonstrated her commitment to New York homeowners, and signing this bill would protect generations to come. New York’s low- and moderate-income homeowners, and the communities of color who have fought hard to build wealth through homeownership, are counting on this protection. We look forward to the Governor signing this bill into law and cementing New York’s commitment to keeping homeowners in their homes, protecting generational wealth, and preserving the communities they have built.”

Homeowners in need of assistance can learn more about HOPP and find free housing counseling and legal services at homeownerhelpny.org.