As the devastating wildfires continue to displace thousands of Los Angeles residents, Airbnb has pledged to offer free emergency accommodation for those affected, including survivors, evacuees, first responders, and firefighters. The Golden State has been battling these fires for six days now, leaving many homes in ruins as thousands were forced to evacuate due to six separate blazes within the city.
Numerous celebrities, including Paris Hilton who is donating £82,000, have revealed their homes have been destroyed by the fires. To date, the fires in California have claimed at least 10 lives, with fears that the situation could worsen due to increasing strong winds.
The most recent evacuation order was issued on Friday, affecting parts of the Interstate 405 highway and Encino Reservoir, bordering the I-405 freeway and the renowned Getty Center, impacting around 100,000 residents. Airbnb is collaborating with 211 LA, a round-the-clock service connecting Los Angeles County residents with health, human, and social services, to provide temporary housing during this crisis.
On January 10, Brian Chesky, the Founder and CEO of Airbnb, announced his company’s pledge to aid those affected by the devastating fires, stating: “Today, Airbnb is committing to help house an additional 25,000 people who have been impacted by the fires, including survivors, evacuees, first responders, and firefighters. The situation is devastating, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to support the Los Angeles community.”
He elaborated on the initiative, which involves a partnership with 211 LA—a free around-the-clock service connecting residents with various essential services—to provide complimentary temporary accommodation during crises. This effort concentrates on aiding inhabitants from several affected areas such as Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar by utilising an online intake form hosted by 211 LA for those seeking emergency housing support.
How it works
Airbnb.org collaborates extensively with both non-profits and governmental bodies to pinpoint individuals affected by catastrophes, offering free lodging funded by Airbnb, private contributions, and benevolent Airbnb hosts who either offer their homes gratis or at reduced rates. In past relief efforts, Airbnb.org has provided temporary shelter to victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, wildfires in San Bernardino, California, and Jasper, Canada, as well as for those affected by flooding in Brazil and the earthquake on Japan’s Noto Peninsula.
How to help
Those who wish to provide free or discounted accommodation to those affected by the wildfires can visit Airbnb.org for further details on how to become a host. Airbnb does not charge any service fees for Airbnb.org hosts and guests. Hosts who register to offer their property through Airbnb.org are covered by damage protection and liability insurance with AirCover for each reservation.