INTERNATIONAL REPORT—Airbnb’s Open Homes Program has been launched across multiple states in one of its largest activations ever, with free temporary housing available for displaced residents and relief workers through September 16.
Airbnb has launched its Open Homes Program to help displaced residents and relief workers impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The program recruits hosts who are willing and able to provide free housing to displaced residents and disaster relief workers in the activation area.
The Open Homes Program for Hurricane Dorian was first activated on August 28 to assist those in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The new activation area on the U.S. mainland includes the majority of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia.
The Open Homes concept began organically back in 2012 in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and has since grown into a global disaster response initiative that makes it easy for Airbnb hosts to provide space for people in need when disasters strike.
“Airbnb’s Open Homes Program continues to be activated for those affected by Hurricane Dorian across the southeast U.S. region,” said Kellie Bentz, Airbnb’s head of global disaster response and relief.
Through the program, those in need of temporary accommodations can connect with Open Homes hosts in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Virginia free of charge.
We encourage hosts to open up their homes, and those who need housing to take advantage of the program,” said Bentz.