Airbnb is offering free housing to refugees
We’re living in dark and isolating times, but many companies, organizations, and regular people are stepping up to make things just a little bit brighter. Over the weekend, in response to Donald Trump’s ban on refugees and those from seven Muslim-majority nations entering the United States, Airbnb announced that it would offer free housing to “anyone not allowed in the U.S.”
The home-sharing company’s co-founder and CEO, Brian Chesky, tweeted the announcement on Saturday after writing, “Not allowing countries or refugees into America is not right, and we must stand with those who are affected.”
Airbnb is providing free housing to refugees and anyone not allowed in the US. Stayed tuned for more, contact me if urgent need for housing
— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) January 29, 2017
On Sunday, Airbnb’s Twitter account posted a link to a form that allows anyone interested in opening up their home to a person in need to share their address and availability information.
If you would like to help temporarily house these people in need, sign up here: https://t.co/y0ctQprO3u
Thank you for your generosity! https://t.co/mIVOqZZ529
— Airbnb (@Airbnb) January 30, 2017
The signup page reads, "Airbnb is working with partners around the world to support refugees and those who may have unexpectedly been affected by the recent travel ban into the United States."
Airbnb boasts more than 2 million listings worldwide, in over 191 countries. That means that for the unknown number of travelers stranded at airports around the world — thanks to Trump’s executive action — Airbnb may be able to provide some real relief in the form of housing.
In a Facebook post, Chesky said that those who have been “denied the ability to board a U.S.-bound flight” should contact him directly at [email protected].
Another tech company stood in support of refugees and Muslim migrants banned from the U.S. this weekend: Lyft, the ride-hailing service. After the ACLU fought successfully to temporarily block deportations of visa holders, Lyft said in an email to customers that it would donate $1 million to the ACLU over four years, because “banning people of a particular faith or creed, race or identity, sexuality or ethnicity, from entering the U.S. is antithetical to both Lyft’s and our nation’s core values.”
More action like this, please!
