Airbnb Hosts Provide Housing to Covid-19 Responders

Photo Source: Airbnb

Airbnb has announced a new global initiative to help connect those responding to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic with safe and convenient places to stay while they carry out their critical work.

The company’s goal is to help house 100,000 healthcare professionals, relief workers, and first responders around the world.

This initiative builds on two pilot programs in Italy and France where nearly 6,000 hosts have already offered their homes.

To enable healthcare providers and other COVID-19 responders to find housing, Airbnb will be working with businesses, nonprofits, government and emergency management agencies supporting these responders. Hosts can opt into the program and have the option of opening their homes for free through Airbnb’s Open Homes platform, created in 2012 to meet the needs of people requiring emergency housing.

If hosts are not able to host for free, Airbnb will still waive all fees on the stay.

Photo Source: Airbnb

Accommodation for relief and medical workers requires robust preventive practices and stringent safety standards. Airbnb has worked with leading experts and officials to develop a protocol for hosts who support this collective health effort. Examples of safe hosting recommendations include listing entire homes and agreeing to a number of safety requirements including enhanced cleaning, social distancing with their guests, and allowing 72 hours between stays.

To learn more, hosts can check Airbnb’s website on airbnb.com/covid19relief.

Airbnb has also launched a donation tool to help power even more stays for relief workers at airbnb.com/openhomes/covid19relief?donate.