Airbnb unveils project to let hosts offer emergency housing before disaster

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Airbnb, the globally reputed online marketplace making it possible for people to list or rent homestay accommodation and vacation facilities, is expanding a special program that would enable hosts to offer temporary housing free of charge during emergencies including hurricanes or floods or other disasters.
A pilot project is well on its way to be kicked off in partnership with the city of San Jose, California, in a few months that will allow hosts to list their properties and be on standby lists ahead of disasters.
Known as “Open Homes program”, which commenced last year, Airbnb hosts offer free-of-charge short term safe housing to people in cities undergoing an emergency including “disasters, wars, conflict, or other factors”.
Thanks to the new version of the program, Airbnb hosts and other members of the community who are eager offering such assistance can sign up in advance to lend their accommodation space.
The pilot project will allow the community to “respond faster, more efficiently, and more effectively”, the accommodation startup said.
Sam Liccardo, mayor of San Jose feels that when disaster strikes, one of our greatest needs, and challenges, is to ensure that every displaced resident has a safe place to stay and went on to add that they are grateful for our new partnership with Airbnb, which offers a great example of how government can leverage innovation to add another tool to their disaster response toolbox.
San Jose will be the first location to offer this exclusive initiative. Airbnb will identify other cities which can participate in this new initiative.
According to information posted on Airbnb website, there will be “in-person preparedness trainings and recruitment events” for this new program, which will also cover a “three-pronged digital campaign” comprising media, online communications, and email education to the community.

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