HAUPPAUGE –The Homeowner Protection Program, a commitment by the Attorney General’s office’s to provide $60 million over three years to fund housing counseling and legal services for struggling New York homeowners, was announced on Monday. The announcement coincides with the release of the Request for Applications (RFA) for the Attorney General’s program for service providers to begin the process of helping homeowners. The Attorney General was joined by U.S. Secretary for Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan, homeowners, and representatives from agencies that will be partners in the effort. 

“The rise in foreclosures across New York is troubling, but this isn’t just a matter of numbers: each foreclosure represents a devastating loss for a family and a community. This program puts homeowners first, and will get our neighborhoods back on track,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Funding housing counseling and legal services is an essential first step to help more families stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure. As we continue to investigate the mortgage crisis that has hurt communities in every corner of this state, we must ensure that homeowners get the expert guidance and legal representation they need to protect their rights before it's too late. ”

The funds to be awarded through the RFA process represent a portion of the millions of dollars that New York received as a result of the national mortgage servicing settlement that was announced in February between the five largest mortgage servicing banks, 49 states, and the federal government over foreclosure abuses.