Short-term home rental website AirBnB announced Tuesday it will offer housing to around 20,000 Afghan refugees globally at no cost, according to the company’s CEO.
“We are working closely with Airbnb.org, NGOs, and partners orgs on the ground to support the most pressing needs,” AirBnB CEO Brian Chesky said in a tweet.
Chesky said the initiative would begin immediately and thanked users who offered their homes as accommodations for those in need.
“While we will be paying for these stays, we could not do this without the generosity of our Hosts,” Chesky said, adding, “If you’re willing to host a refugee family, reach out, and I’ll connect you with the right people here to make it happen!”
More than 400,000 people have been forced from their homes in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover of the government, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.
“The displacement and resettlement of Afghan refugees in the U.S. and elsewhere is one of the biggest humanitarian crises of our time,” the CEO wrote. “We feel a responsibility to step up.”
Chesky also issued a call to action for other corporate executives.
“I hope this inspires other business leaders to do the same. There’s no time to waste,” he declared.
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