Airbnb is stepping up to offer free places to stay for some of the nearly 700-thousand people who have escaped Ukraine as Russia continues to invade. A spokesperson for the company says, “Airbnb.org is prepared to offer housing of up to 14 days for up to 100-thousand refugees fleeing Ukraine.”
Airbnb.org, the nonprofit affiliated with Airbnb, has been offering temporary housing for people displaced during a crisis since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The organization is working with other nonprofits to help book and coordinate stays for those escaping Ukraine. Airbnb says their execs have written to the leaders of Germany, Hungary, Poland and Romania offering to temporarily house refugees fleeing to their countries.
“While Airbnb is committing to facilitate short-term housing for up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine, it will work closely with governments to best support the specific needs in each country, including by providing longer-term stays," the company said in a statement. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky is asking the public for help reaching the company’s goal of providing housing for refugees, posting a request on social media for people in countries near Ukraine to offer their homes for refugees and encouraging others to donate.
Source: CBS News
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