Joint Statement on Full Funding for HOPP

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

“We applaud the enacted state budget’s inclusion of full $40 million for the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP), a critical lifeline that will ensure thousands of New York homeowners continue to access the free housing counseling and legal services that stand between them and losing their home. This is all the more important for New Yorkers as federal support for homeownership opportunities have been scaled back.

Governor Hochul and the Legislature’s support for HOPP reflects a deep understanding of the affordability crisis New York families are facing right now. As mortgage delinquencies rise and housing scams proliferate, their commitment to this program is a lifeline for the communities hit hardest by today’s affordability crisis. We look to the assembly to pass the codification bill before the end of session, to make HOPP a permanent part of New York’s commitment to protecting homeowners and preserving communities.”