Declare Foreclosure Awareness Day

February 5, 2019, as Foreclosure Prevention and Community Stabilization Awareness Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious economic concerns that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 5, 2019, as Foreclosure Prevention and Community Stabilization Awareness Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Foreclosure continues to be a problem all across New York State; and WHEREAS, In 2018, there were approximately 25,000 new foreclosure cases filed in New York State and an increase of 8% in state wide 90 day delinquency notices; and WHEREAS, The majority of mortgage delinquencies in New York State are due to loss of income, medical issues, or family situations that are outside of a homeowner's control; and WHEREAS, Municipalities continue to struggle with Zombie Foreclosures causing blight and disinvestment in neighborhoods across New York State; and WHEREAS, Housing counselling and legal services advocates can help homeowners find transition options to avoid foreclosure even if they are unable to keep their homes which helps avoid Zombie Foreclosures; and WHEREAS, The state wide network of 89 community organizations has already helped over 100,000 New York homeowners, primarily working and middle-income families and New Yorkers of color, avoid being displaced because of foreclosure, fraud or mortgage distress through the Communities First Program; and WHEREAS, Many homeowners in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure and scams are elderly individuals on fixed incomes; in addition, New York has seen a spike in Reverse Mortgage Foreclosures filings that impact elderly New Yorkers and their families; and WHEREAS, New York State has put in place some of the most progressive protections for homeowners including increased notices and the settlement conference process; and WHEREAS, Communities are strengthened through homeownership preservation, foreclosure avoidance and mitigation; and WHEREAS, New York State needs to continue to lead the nation in homeowner protections by keeping our strong laws and valuable services intact; and WHEREAS, The assistance provided through the Communities First Program is essential in keeping New Yorkers in their homes, preserving neighborhoods and affordable housing, and preventing homelessness; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious economic concern, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 5, 2019, as Foreclosure Prevention and Community Stabilization Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.