Airbnb offers temporary free accommodation to Afghan refugees

Online marketplace for lodging, Airbnb has announced that it will provide temporary housing for 20,000 Afghan refugees in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The project would be funded by donations from Airbnb.org Refugee Fund and Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO and Co-founder.

The Airbnb Community decided to closely collaborate with resettlement agencies and partners to ensure the need and support is given to Afghan refugees. The company has urged the business community to join the efforts in providing support and relief to the Afghanis.

"As tens of thousands of Afghan refugees resettle around the world, where they stay will be the first chapter in their new lives. For these 20,000 refugees, my hope is that the Airbnb community will provide them with not only a safe place to rest and start over, but also a warm welcome home", said Chesky.

Airbnb has previously contributed to the emergency fund and supported the International Rescue Committee (IRC), HIAS, and Church World Service to provide temporary homes through Airbnb for up to 1000 arriving Afghan refugees. The organisation worked with partners and placed 165 refugees in safe accommodations shortly after they arrived in the US.

In the past four years the Airbnb and Airbnb.org helped 25,000 refugees and hundreds in the US Special Immigrant Visa Program, get temporary housing. The organisation this year, created the $25 million Refugee Fund to extend their support to refugees and anyone seeking asylum, worldwide.

Over the years, Airbnb.org has helped people affected by natural disasters and offered hundreds of frontline workers to stay in homes temporarily amid Covid-19. The organization commented that "We know that Airbnb Hosts and guests around the world will be eager to stand up and assist this massive effort – and in the coming days, Airbnb and Airbnb.org plan to share details on how Hosts and the broader community can support this initiative".