A significant boost to refugees, disaster survivors, and relief workers.
Following their recent humanitarian approach towards those people that were displaced by the changes that the US introduced regarding their immigration policy, Airbnb have reaffirmed their commitment towards helping refugees and displaced people around the world.
In a statement that was released on their website, Airbnb co-founders Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharczyk have stated that they’re “setting a goal to provide short-term housing over the next five years for 100,000 people in need.”
Regarding those in need, the statement adds: “We’ll start with refugees, disaster survivors, and relief workers, though we want to accommodate many more types of displaced people over time. To help people around the world facing displacement, we’ll work with our community of hosts to find not just a place to stay, but also a place to feel connected, respected, and a part of a community again. In addition, Airbnb will contribute $4 million over the course of four years to the International Rescue Committee to support the most critical needs of displaced populations globally.”
Since 2012, the online marketplace and homestay network has provided housing for evacuees of 54 global disasters through their disaster relief tool.
To put this into perspective, Airbnb has given 3,000 nights of free housing to relief workers, and others, that were working at camps in Kos, Lesvos, Ionniana, Athens, Serbia and Macedonia.
Aside from this, the company has also contributed significantly to the UNHCR to support their work with refugees.
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