Airbnb.org Activates Program To Offer Free Housing Following Europe Floods
Airbnb.org has launched its emergency response programme to provide those affected by the devastating floods across Western Europe with access to free accommodation.
Airbnb.org has launched its emergency response programme to provide those affected by the devastating floods across Western Europe with access to free accommodation.
Record rainfall has led to some of the worst flooding parts of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands have seen in recent times. According to reports, over 180 people have died with many still missing.
In response, Airbnb.org has activated its emergency response programme, an initiative to help connect people in need of urgent accommodation who have been displaced by the floods with local Hosts who can open their homes free of charge. Temporary stays through the programme are available from now until 2 August. As we have seen during other disasters across the world, we are hopeful that the Airbnb community will come together to open their homes for those in need.
"We are devastated by the scenes the destructive floods have caused across Western Europe and our thoughts are with all those affected. Through Airbnb.org’s disaster response programme, new and existing Hosts on Airbnb can provide free, temporary housing to people displaced by the flooding. We are grateful for the generosity of the Airbnb Host community and we continue to coordinate closely with local government agencies and other nonprofit partners to help those in need. In addition to Hosts, we also want to thank all of the emergency responders who are working around the clock to tackle this extremely difficult and tragic situation." Kristen Berlacher, Head of Airbnb.org Programs
Existing Hosts on Airbnb with entire home listings and anyone with free space in impacted regions can now opt in to list their homes for €0 and offer free, temporary stays to those in need.
Hosts and people in need of temporary accommodation can find out more by visiting www.airbnb.com/western-europe-flooding.
Airbnb.org was launched in December 2020 as an independent nonprofit organisation dedicated to facilitating temporary stays for people in times of crisis. Airbnb.org works with partners around the world, including the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Rescue Committee, CARE, Mercy Corps, HIAS and others, to support people in need.