One organization has stepped in to assist hundreds of Americans who were displaced from their homes by Hurricane Helene, the Category 4 storm that devastated neighborhoods across the country last week.
Airbnb.org is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary housing to people during times of crisis. On Monday, it announced free housing for residents in Florida and North Carolina. Airbnb.org, a nonprofit that places people in temporary homes during crises, announced Monday it is providing free housing solutions for people in Florida and North Carolina.
Airbnb.org, a non-profit organization that uses the services of the home-sharing website Airbnb, provides emergency shelter to people in need, free of charge.
Airbnb.org, as well as the generosity of Airbnb hosts who offer their homes for free or at a discounted rate through Airbnb.org, fund the free stays for guests.
The program provides temporary housing assistance to residents whose homes were rendered uninhabitable due to the hurricane or forced them temporarily to evacuate.
Airbnb.org, which provides short-term stays, and local 211 call centers identify people who need housing solutions.
Florida residents who have been displaced are instructed to call FLUMC by phone, at either (863) 688-5563 or (800) 282-8011. They may also contact their local 211, which they can locate online at 211.org.
Residents of North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene are instructed to contact their local 211 center, which they can also locate at 211.org.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper spoke about the initiative. Airbnb.org has stepped up to offer free temporary housing for those in need. They have also collaborated with other local organizations during this difficult time.
Christoph Gorder, the executive director of Airbnb.org, said that “a few hundred” people have been housed in the last two days. Momentum is growing, and Gorder expects that the organization will find housing solutions for more people displaced by Hurricane Helene.
He added that an average emergency stay can last 10-14 days.
Gorder explained that they try to identify the most vulnerable families and give them the flexibility to choose a location near their children’s schools, home, or anywhere else.
Airbnb.org rents regular-priced listings to families in need.
Danielle, a Tampa, Florida Airbnb.org host, explains why she chose to open her home to hurricane survivors.
It has been extremely difficult to find safe accommodation for those displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Airbnb hosts like myself are inspired by their willingness to welcome families in through Airbnb.org. This program waives all booking fees. Airbnb.org allows hosts like me to serve their communities better when disasters strike, such as Hurricane Helene,” she said in a recent statement.
Airbnb.org, according to its organization, has so far provided emergency accommodation for more than 1.6 million nights. This is equivalent to approximately 240,000 people.
