SANTO DOMINGO.- To support those affected by Hurricane Melissa, Airbnb.org announced that it is offering free emergency lodging to first responders, creating partnerships with organizations to provide accommodation for their teams.
In a press release, the platform explains that it is working with local non-profit organizations and government officials in the affected Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, to determine the best way to help displaced people once the storm has passed and it is deemed safe to do so.
Airbnb.org is a non-profit organization founded by Airbnb to provide emergency housing in times of crisis.
How does it work?
Local nonprofits and government officials identify first responders and residents in need of temporary housing and refer them to Airbnb.org. Those affected receive credits to book a stay on the platform that meets their needs.
The document notes that residents affected by Hurricane Melissa can check airbnb.org/hurricanemelissa for the most up-to-date information.
Deeastaca says that since its founding in 2020, the charity has provided 1.6 million nights of free and temporary accommodation to more than 250,000 people.
More recently, Airbnb.org offered free temporary housing to people displaced by floods in Central Texas, tornadoes in Kentucky, wildfires in Los Angeles, and the earthquake on the Noto Peninsula in Japan.
How to help
Anyone interested in supporting those affected by Hurricane Melissa can visit airbnb.org/hurricanemelissa to:
- Sign up to offer free or discounted stays as a host on Airbnb.org (Airbnb does not profit from these stays), or
- Donate to Airbnb.org—100 percent of donations go directly to connecting people in crisis with emergency housing.
