Airbnb has announced a worldwide commitment to provide temporary housing to 20,000 Afghan refugees in light of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. Working via it’s nonprofit arm, Airbnb.org, the short-term rental company provides temporary stays for those displaced by natural disasters, and, more recently, to frontline workers at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As tens of thousands of Afghan refugees resettle around the world, where they stay will be the first chapter in their new lives,” Brian Chesky, Airbnb CEO and co-founder said. “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.”
Costs will be covered in part by Chesky, Airbnb’s for-profit and nonprofit divisions and a newly created Refugee Fund.
Per a company release, Airbnb.org will closely collaborate with resettlement agencies and partners to go where the need goes, and evolve this initiative and support as necessary. Airbnb also urges fellow members of the global business community to join efforts to provide immediate support to Afghan refugees.
Airbnb Hosts interested in supporting this initiative can find more information at airbnb.org.