Airbnb pledges $500M over 5 years to fund emergency housing stays

Airbnb said Wednesday it will send a portion of its booking revenue to Airbnb.org, the company's nonprofit that places people in temporary housing during disasters, conflict and medical emergencies. The company projects the program will raise $500 million for the nonprofit over five years. Airbnb.org aims to fund 1 million free nights of emergency housing each year.

The effort traces to 2012, when an Airbnb host opened her home to people displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Airbnb.org was founded in 2020. Since then, the organization reports it has housed more than 250,000 people across nearly 140 countries, covering more than 1.6 million free nights of accommodation.

Airbnb.org responded to more than 200 disasters this year, compared with eight in 2023, according to the company. Its work has followed hurricanes and wildfires, and it has expanded to include families traveling for medical treatment, survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and veterans with serious illnesses.

The nonprofit books rooms through listings already on Airbnb's platform. Hosts receive payment for those stays, which lets Airbnb.org secure housing quickly when people are displaced or need a place to stay during a crisis.

Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky said in a statement: "Now, every time someone books a home on Airbnb, they'll help someone else find a place to stay when they need it most. That's Airbnb at its best."

Travelers and hosts do not need to take any action. Guests will not be charged additional fees, and host earnings will not be reduced. Airbnb said the funding comes from its share of booking revenue.