FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: 202.641.5124
October 1, 2024
Legal Services Coalition urges Governor Hochul to sign measure
to protect New York homeowners and preserve affordable housing
The New York Legal Services Coalition recently submitted a letter urging Governor Hochul to sign S.7297C (Kavanagh)/A.7636C (Solages) into law, which will codify the Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP), New York’s only statewide foreclosure program. The bill passed both chambers this session. The governor has until the end of the calendar year to act on the legislation.
The letter emphasizes the vital role the HOPP program plays in protecting homeownership across New York. With a network of 89 non-profit housing counseling and legal services organizations offering services in every county, HOPP is vital in preserving homeownership throughout New York by providing stronger legal protection against predatory practices, unjust foreclosures, and diverse support from housing counselors. The program helps keep money in the homeowners pocket that otherwise would be spent on legal fees, penalties, interest, and other costs of the foreclosure process.
“For legal service providers like my organization, the Homeowner Protection Program is absolutely essential. The funding it provides allows us to help vulnerable homeowners while keeping our services free of charge. Making these services accessible is how we are able to reach more homeowners and help more people stay in their homes. I am proud to support this effort to make HOPP permanent so all New Yorkers can have security in their homeownership." Jessica A. Rose, Esq., Executive Director, Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A, and Co-Chair of the Legislative Advocacy Steering Committee of the NYLSC.
While underscoring the critical need for the bill's passage to address current gaps in New York's homeowner protections, the letter also emphasizes safeguarding the Interest on Lawyer's Account Fund (IOLA). Any attempt to divert funds for anything other than its original intended purpose, to fund civil legal services, results in a net loss of aid to low-income New Yorkers in need of legal assistance. HOPP and IOLA are distinct programs that should remain independent and fully funded. Together, the programs work towards meeting the overall civil justice gap in the state, which stands at $1B of unmet need.
About the NYLSC
The New York Legal Services Coalition is a statewide association that represents the interests of civil legal services organizations and the communities they serve. Our members collectively provide services in the areas of family law, housing, immigration, and public benefits across all 62 counties of New York State.
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