Advocates Urge Governor Cuomo to Continue Endangered Funding That Helps Keep New Yorkers In Their Homes

January 16, 2019, NEW YORK, NY – In response to the release of Governor Cuomo’s FY2019 executive budget proposal which lacks funding that housing counselors and legal service providers rely to assist New York homeowners facing foreclosure and other challenges statewide, Communities First coalition releases the following statement:

 
“For New York homeowners, there was one devastating omission in Governor Cuomo’s executive budget: funding to continue essential, free nonprofit housing counseling and legal services to New Yorkers at risk of losing their homes. Over the last decade, a network of 89 housing counseling and legal services nonprofits has been helping families in every county across New York State fight mortgage fraud, scams, foreclosure and other complex housing challenges –critical legal help that allows New Yorkers to keep their homes and stay in the communities they love. That funding runs out on March 31. We are calling on Governor Cuomo to dedicate $20 million in the executive budget so nonprofits can continue to deliver high-quality, free services to New York families from Buffalo to Long Island and everywhere in between. With the rising threats to homeownership that could lead to countless New Yorkers being displaced and financially ruined, we implore Governor Cuomo to stand up for New York homeowners and save hundreds of nonprofit jobs statewide by including funding in the 21-day amendments.” 

– Meghan Faux, Legal Services NYC; Kirsten Keefe, Empire Justice Center; Christie Peale, Center for New York City Neighborhoods

For more information or to speak to an expert, contact Seth Hoy, Director of Communications, at [email protected] or 646-442-3575.

ABOUT COMMUNITIES FIRST

Communities First is a network of 89 non-profit housing counseling and legal services programs statewide that helps New Yorkers keep their homes and navigate complex housing challenges like mortgage fraud, scams, and foreclosure. Funding for Communities First providers is scheduled to end on March 31, 2019.