Albany, NY — As America’s ongoing affordability crisis pushes many homeowners toward foreclosure, eviction, and displacement, yesterday, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Chair of the Senate Housing Committees joined Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and members of the statewide Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) network urged the New York State Legislature to fund HOPP and include codification language in the final state budget. Assemblywoman Solages announced yesterday her expectation that HOPP codification language will be included in the Assembly’s one-house budget bill.

Governor Hochul’s decision to fund HOPP at $40 million in her executive budget proposal is a significant victory for homeowners across New York and a testament to the program’s proven impact. But the work is not done. Today’s press conference marks a push to ensure funding and codification of the program is included in the final budget.

HOPP is New York’s frontline statewide program that provides free housing counseling and legal services to homeowners at risk of mortgage or tax foreclosure, deed theft, and other predatory practices. Since its creation, HOPP has helped more than 150,000 New Yorkers remain in their homes, helping to stabilize neighborhoods and preserve generational wealth.

The need to codify the program has never been more urgent. As counties resume foreclosure auctions paused during COVID-19, mortgage and tax foreclosures are ramping up statewide. At the same time, the rollback of federal consumer protections has left homeowners vulnerable to predatory mortgage practices not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. As foreclosures rise and federal protections erode, HOPP is not a luxury. It is a lifeline New York homeowners cannot afford to lose.

“Foreclosure is not just a financial hardship — it is a crisis that can strip families of stability, security, and generational wealth,” said Senator Brian Kavanagh, Chair of the Senate Housing Committee and Senate sponsor of S2627, which would codify HOPP. “For more than a decade, the Homeowner Protection Program has proven that housing counseling and legal services work. HOPP has helped countless New Yorkers stay in their homes, access critical support services, and avoid displacement. I am committed to not only funding, but also codifying this program in this year’s budget so these critical protections are not subject to uncertainty year after year, and I thank the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, the Empire Justice Center, Legal Services New York, and the entire HOPP network for their dedicated advocacy and commitment to supporting homeowners.”

“The Homeowner Protection Program has provided a lifeline to countless New Yorkers at risk of foreclosure and in need of counseling and other financial services,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing.”We are grateful that the Executive budget included $40 million in funding for this program, however, the future of HOPP cannot continue to be a game of chance. For years, this program has delivered major tax and property cost savings to localities and kept vulnerable families in their homes. These providers need assurance that this program will continue to be funded in the years ahead so that they can continue to connect homeowners with much-needed legal advice, financial assistance and counseling. I look forward to working with this coalition to codify the program in our upcoming state budget and guarantee full funding going forward.”

“HOPP has served as a vital lifeline for vulnerable homeowners across the state, providing stability and protection when it is needed most. We must take decisive action to ensure its long term future.” said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages. “By codifying HOPP, we can permanently safeguard the essential services it delivers, giving families the certainty and support they deserve for years to come. As affordability challenges persist statewide, HOPP remains an indispensable resource for keeping New Yorkers in their homes and in their communities.”

“Inconsistent and, at times, mind-boggling economic policy decisions by the Trump administration have only worsened the financial situation for many New Yorkers in the midst of recovering from the pandemic.” said Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine. “It is with this in mind that I applaud Governor Hochul’s decision to once again fully fund the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) in her proposed executive budget and urge its codification in order to provide a measure of security for hard-working families left feeling vulnerable in these uncertain economic times.”

“The Homeowner Protection Program plays a vital role in protecting New Yorkers from foreclosure, deed theft, and housing instability. For many families, HOPP provides critical legal assistance, housing counseling, and guidance that can mean the difference between keeping and losing their homes. In my district, we have seen firsthand how devastating foreclosure and property scams can be for hardworking families and seniors.” said Senator James Sanders Jr. “That is why my office continues to actively provide information, host forums, and connect residents with trusted resources and legal assistance to help them protect their homes and their financial futures. Programs like HOPP strengthen those efforts by ensuring homeowners have access to professional support when they need it most. At a time when housing security remains one of the greatest challenges facing our communities, it is essential that we maintain strong funding for this program. I stand with the HOPP Coalition in supporting the continued investment in HOPP so it can remain a vital lifeline for homeowners across New York.”

“For over a decade Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) has provided legal services and housing counseling to New York homeowners at risk of losing their homes.” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. “This vital resource has saved countless New Yorkers from finding a new place to live and for some, the perils of homelessness. Year after year advocates fight for HOPP to be fully funded putting homeowners at risk of not having this program available to them. HOPP has proven to be a critical resource which benefits countless New Yorkers. It is therefore time to not only fully fund but also codify HOPP so that in times of crisis New York’s homeowners always have this essential program available to them.”

“Vulnerable communities across our city and state have been targeted by redlining, unfair loan practices, and gentrification for decades.” said Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda. “Preserving homeownership is a key part of fostering stability and economic progress in our neighborhoods, and the services provided by the Homeowner Protection Program are critical to that mission. As costs of living continue to rise, funding and codifying this program demonstrates a continued commitment to New Yorkers, their families, and their communities.”

“HOPP is one of New York’s most effective investments in housing and community stability,” said Christie Peale, CEO and Executive Director of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods. “For over 14 years, we’ve seen firsthand how access to trusted housing counselors and attorneys makes the difference between a family staying rooted in their community or losing everything. As lawmakers finalize the budget, we urge them to ensure that HOPP remains fully funded–it’s our best tool to stop the displacement of New Yorkers today, instead of paying for the consequences tomorrow.”

“HOPP advocates help homeowners address short-term issues before they wipe out generational wealth and destabilize communities.” said Kristin Brown, President and CEO of Empire Justice Center. “The need is critical right now, as federal roll backs in consumer protection are leaving homeowners vulnerable to scammers. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for including full funding in the executive budget, and we are looking to see the HOPP program codified in the final budget. The need for HOPP will persist, and advocates and homeowners alike need stability to ensure this vital program is there when people need it.”

“As frontline legal advocates, we see every day how critical early legal intervention is for homeowners facing foreclosure,” said Jacob Inwald, Director of Litigation—Economic Justice for Legal Services NYC. “With the right support, many homeowners can negotiate sustainable solutions and avoid losing their homes, and hold lenders accountable to laws often ignored when homeowners lack legal representation. Making this program permanent is the most effective way to protect New York homeowners and ensure no one is left vulnerable to deed theft and other scams targeting homeowners of color in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods.”