LaGuardia Community College and Airbnb Partner to Provide Housing Support for Students Struggling with NYC’s Rising Rents
Now in its third year, the innovative voucher program has housed 27 students facing homelessness or housing instability
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (April 22, 2025) — As New York City rents continue to reach historic highs and the availability of affordable housing lags behind, today LaGuardia Community College/CUNY and Airbnb announce the continuation of their unique partnership to combat housing insecurity. Airbnb will contribute an additional $100,000 in 2024-25 to help more students receive vouchers for semester-long Airbnb stays valued at up to $1,700 per month.
“Our partners at Airbnb have continued to support our College by removing an obstacle that affects many of our students: homelessness,” said LaGuardia President Kenneth Adams. “We are grateful for their renewed commitment to helping our students succeed.”
“Stable and affordable housing remains a critical need for students to achieve success both in and out of the classroom,” said Nathan Rotman, Director of Policy Strategy for North America at Airbnb. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with LaGuardia Community College to help students find accessible places to live while they pursue their education and build their futures.”
Since launching in 2023, the Airbnb-LaGuardia partnership, administered through LaGuardia CARES, a campus-based resource hub, has provided $200,000 in direct housing support to 27 LaGuardia students experiencing homelessness or unstable housing conditions. The majority—21 students—have since transitioned into permanent housing, graduated from LaGuardia, and enrolled in four-year institutions with the prospect of achieving greater economic prosperity. Another six students remain in stable Airbnb accommodations as they complete their degrees.
Students across New York City struggle to find affordable housing. While some four-year institutions offer on-campus housing, most community colleges do not. Despite policy efforts to address New York’s housing crisis, community college students often fall through the cracks. At LaGuardia, where nearly 70 percent of students live below the federal poverty line, the Airbnb-LaGuardia partnership is providing critical support.
“The relief our students express once they learn that they will have safe, no-cost housing is unmistakable,” said Dr. Alexis J. McLean, Vice President of Student Affairs at LaGuardia. “It is common for students facing housing insecurity to consider dropping or stopping out. The stress associated with housing insecurity can also result in significant mental and physical health challenges. Our partnership with Airbnb provides crucial assistance that positively impacts nearly every aspect of our students’ lives.”
LaGuardia students Egypt Thom and Suwilangi Kanangu are finding success in college, pursuing their degrees and paving a path to their future, thanks to the Airbnb-LaGuardia program.
Egypt Thom, 26, is a Political Science major from Astoria, Queens. She currently works full time at Chipotle. After graduating from LaGuardia in June 2025, she plans to transfer to John Jay College. “It was very difficult for me to find affordable housing when I started college,” she said. “I’m very thankful for the help I’ve received from the program.”
Suwilangi Kanangu, 24, is a Criminal Justice major from Australia, currently living in an Airbnb in Kew Gardens, Queens. Known as “Suwi” to his friends, he was couch surfing in Long Island, NY, when he realized he needed to a more sustainable living situation. Suwi found his footing after meeting Jarret Lockhart, Coach of the LaGuardia Men’s Basketball Team, where he plays forward. Coach Lockhart referred Suwi to LaGuardia CARES, where he secured stable housing through the Airbnb-LaGuardia program while he completes his degree.
“I’m very lucky and blessed to have support from my coach and LaGuardia Community College,” Suwilangi said. “It’s difficult to find affordable housing, and when I first came to New York City, I didn’t know where to go for help. Having a place to live that is affordable makes it easier for me to concentrate on my studies and get my degree. I’m thankful for that.”
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.
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