Vacation rental giant Airbnb has announced that the company will be offering free temporary housing to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine.
Early Monday, CEO Brian Chesky and other Airbnb co-founders sent letters to leaders across Europe, starting with the leaders of Poland, Germany, Hungary and Romania, offering support in welcoming refugees within their borders.
"While Airbnb.org 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," Airbnb said in a statement.
The stays will be funded by Airbnb, Inc., donations to the Airbnb Refugee Fund and generous hosts willing to open their homes for free or discounted stays in times of crisis.
The work to house Ukrainian refugees builds upon a greater project started a decade ago by the company to support displaced people around the world.
In 2021, Airbnb announced the creation of the $25 million Refugee Fund and has gathered more than 4,000 donors to further support its work.
The company plans to collaborate with nonprofits on the ground to secure free housing for all refugees, regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity or how they identify. The nonprofits will be responsible for booking and coordinating stays for refugee guests.
As Airbnb works to establish partnerships in each country, Ukrainian refugees and asylum seekers in need of immediate support can find available resources through the UN Refugee Agency.
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