Mortgage assistance is available

ALBANY — Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,I,C-Greenwood Lake) would like homeowners in Orange and Rockland counties to be aware of a new effort to assist those struggling with underwater mortgages. The program is offered by the state Attorney General’s office and run in conjunction with a variety of local-area organizations including Legal Services of the Hudson Valley and Hudson River Housing among many others.

“The housing crisis and consequent economic recession left many New Yorkers struggling to hold onto their homes," said Rabbitt. "In such times many people don’t know where to turn and the situation can only get worse. That’s why I strongly encourage anyone who is having a hard time affording their mortgage to get the expert advice and assistance they need through this program.”

The effort provides funding assistance through the Attorney General’s Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP) to local organizations that provide legal services, foreclosure prevention services or housing counseling for homeowners facing underwater mortgages over the next three years. The $60 million in funding comes from the state’s share of the National Mortgage Settlement from June 2012.

To learn more about HOPP, to find assistance near you, or for expert advice, visit www.AGHomeHelp.com or call the HOPP hotline at 855-HOME-456 (855-466-3456). Any resident of Orange or Rockland county that needs assistance on this or any other issue may contact Rabbitt’s office for help by calling 845-544-7551 or emailing her at rabbitta@assembly.state.ny.us.