Europe: Airbnb.org has activated its emergency response programme in Western Europe to help provide free lodging for those impacted by the flooding across the regions.
Airbnb.org, which was founded in December 2020, is an independent non-profit organisation that focuses on providing accommodations to people affected in a time of crisis. The programme allows new and existing hosts on Airbnb with home listings or free space to opt into listing their rental for free in order to house someone in need.
The programme works closely with other organisations around the world, including the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Rescue Committee, CARE, Mercy Corps, HIAS, and more.
Currently, flooding in Western Europe, notably Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, is the worst it has been in recent years, causing heavy destruction in its wake. Over 180 people have been confirmed to have died so far, and many are still missing.
Airbnb.org has temporarily opened its emergency response programme to those impacted by the flooding from now until 2 August.
Kristen Berlacher, head of programmes for Airbnb.org, said: “We are devastated by the scenes the destructive floods have caused across Western Europe and our thoughts are with all those affected. Through Airbnb.org’s disaster response programme, new and existing hosts on Airbnb can provide free, temporary housing to people displaced by the flooding.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the Airbnb host community, and we continue to coordinate closely with local government agencies and other non-profit partners to help those in need. In addition to hosts, we also want to thank all of the emergency responders who are working around the clock to tackle this extremely difficult and tragic situation,” she added.
