NEW YORK – The New York City Housing Partnership launched on January 8, the Pathways to Homeownership program in conjunction with Airbnb.
The program aims to help gig workers — including delivery drivers, writers, musicians, and freelancers, who often lack the traditional income documentation banks require for mortgages.
“The lack of regular paystubs, W-2s, or 1099s to document income often puts gig workers at a disadvantage when applying for a mortgage to buy their first home,” said Jamie A. Smarr, president and CEO of the partnership.
Expects to help 1,000 gig workers each year
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers have turned to gig work to earn a living.
According to NYC statistics, there are about 60,000 delivery workers, many of whom work flexible shifts or are paid on-demand per task or job.
Smarr expects Pathways to Homeownership to help about 1,000 gig workers each year buy their first homes.
Funded by Airbnb, the program helps gig workers qualify as first-time homebuyers by offering tailored workshops, one-on-one counseling to document income for mortgage approval, and access to city, state, and private down payment assistance.
Participants will also receive training on how to create income, sustain homeownership, avoid foreclosure, and build equity.
“Time for financial systems to catch up”
Rafael Espinal, president of the Freelancers Union, which has about half a million members in NYC, said it is “time for our financial systems” to catch up to the way many people work.
“We hope this effort paves the way for broader reform and long-term solutions for independent workers everywhere,” he said.
The Pathways to Homeownership program is the latest in a series of public and private efforts to support New York’s gig economy.
In 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the “Freelance Isn’t Free” Act, which provides freelancers protections and recourse for nonpayment.
In April 2025, a $21.44 hourly minimum for app-based restaurant delivery workers took effect, with Mayor Eric Adams saying the rate will be adjusted annually for inflation.
The housing partnership, which has been in NYC for over 40 years, creates and preserves affordable housing throughout the city through public-private teamwork, involving the private sector, as well as city, state, and federal agencies.
For more information, visit https://housingpartnership.com/
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