Legal Services NYC Applauds Gov. Hochul, Lawmakers for Funding Homeowner Protection Program in FY27 Budget, Calls to Make Program Permanent

The Homeowner Protect Program (HOPP) is the state’s only program that provides free legal help and housing counseling to thousands of homeowners targeted by mortgage fraud, scams and foreclosures in every county of the state

The New York State Assembly included HOPP codification in its one-house budget proposal, and the Senate has already passed this legislation. Now the Assembly still has the opportunity to pass the legislation before the end of session in June

New York, NY – Last night, New York lawmakers passed a $269 billion budget that includes $40 million to fund the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP), a network of more than 90 housing counseling and legal services organizations across the state that provide free help to distressed homeowners. However, the final budget did not include legislation to permanently codify HOPP into state law despite overwhelming support in both houses of the legislature.

Below is a statement from Jacob Inwald, Director of Litigation–Economic Justice at Legal Services NYC, a technical assistance sub-contractor to the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, the Attorney General’s Anchor Partner which administers the HOPP program in NYC.

“We applaud Governor Hochul and our legislative champions for preserving $40 million for the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) in the FY27 State Budget. HOPP is New York’s frontline defense against deed theft, mortgage fraud, and other predatory practices that threaten homeownership, especially for Black and brown families, seniors, and low-income New Yorkers most often targeted by predatory actors.

“At the same time, we are disappointed that the final budget did not permanently codify HOPP funding, as it is the only deed theft prevention tool in the state’s arsenal, despite broad support in the legislature. 

“At a time when New York’s most vulnerable homeowners are increasingly preyed upon by constantly-evolving equity stripping scams, there is a clear and urgent need to codify HOPP which prevents those scams, alongside existing legal protections that help victims seek relief after the damage is done.” 

“We look forward to working with Governor Hochul and the legislature to secure the future of this critical program, which not only protects homeowners against scams but saves the state millions in the long run.”

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About the Homeowner Protection Program
The New York State Attorney General’s Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) is a network of more than 90 housing counseling and legal services organizations across the state that provide free help to homeowners. HOPP provides high-quality counseling and legal services devoted to homeownership preservation in every county of  New York State. https://homeownerhelpny.org/ 

About Legal Services NYC
Legal Services NYC fights poverty and seeks racial, social, and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. For over 50 years, LSNYC has challenged systemic injustices that trap people in poverty and helped clients meet basic needs for housing, income and economic security, family and immigration stability, education, and health care. Our staff of dedicated advocates have deep roots in the communities we serve so New Yorkers and their families can access the services, resources, and protections they need to survive. www.legalservicesnyc.org