Airbnb has announced that Airbnb.org will provide temporary housing to 20,000 Afghan refugees worldwide – the cost of which will be funded through contributions to Airbnb.org from Airbnb and CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky, as well as donors to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund.
In a press statement released today, Airbnb said that in the past week, “it has become abundantly clear that the displacement and resettlement of Afghan refugees here in the United States and elsewhere is a significant humanitarian crisis – and in the face of this need, our community is ready to step up once again.”
Recognising that the situation on the ground in Kabul is fast evolving, the company said they would “closely collaborate with resettlement agencies and partners to go where the need goes, and evolve this initiative and their support as necessary.”
“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.” – Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO and co-founder
In addition, given the tremendous need, Airbnb is also urging fellow members of the global business community to join efforts to provide immediate support to Afghan refugees.
Today’s announcement builds on efforts that have already begun in support of Afghan refugees at Airbnb and Airbnb.org.
Last week, Airbnb.org gave emergency funding and support to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), HIAS and Church World Service to provide immediate temporary stays via the Airbnb platform for up to 1,000 arriving Afghan refugees.
Over this past weekend, Airbnb.org worked with partners to place 165 refugees in safe housing shortly after touching down in the US.
Indeed, the Airbnb community has opened thousands of doors to those in need over the past several years. Airbnb.org – an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation dedicated to facilitating temporary stays for people in moments of crisis – has helped to shelter those displaced by natural disasters and offered hundreds of thousands of places to stay and peace of mind to frontline workers at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As the IRC helps to welcome and resettle Afghans in the U.S., accessible housing is urgently needed and essential. We are grateful to our partners at Airbnb.org and Airbnb for once again offering their support and infrastructure to meet this moment, providing safe and welcoming places for individuals and families as they arrive in the United States and begin rebuilding their lives.” – David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee
Airbnb.org and Airbnb have connected approximately 25,000 refugees over the past four years, including hundreds participating in the US Special Immigrant Visa Program – to temporary housing. Earlier this year, Airbnb.org announced the creation of the $25 million Refugee Fund to expand Airbnb.org’s support of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide.
Airbnb says it will share details on how Hosts and the broader community can support this initiative in the coming days.
Find out more: Airbnb.org
