Air BnB hosts can offer free accommodation to those that need it
By Lara Leahy
In coordination with the NSW Government and the Australian Red Cross, Airbnb Hosts across NSW can offer up their homes to help people displaced by the flooding in impacted parts of the state.
Through this coordination effort, hosts on Airbnb can volunteer their homes by providing their contact information through this dedicated page, airbnb.com/2022aufloods. Airbnb will then work with the Australian Red Cross to provide flood evacuees and those in need with free, temporary accommodation.
Evacuees looking to be paired with this style of accommodation should contact the Australian Red Cross on 1800 733 276.
Once a host has made a submission via the form, the Australian Red Cross will follow-up to obtain further details on the listing to ensure they can make an appropriate match with those needing accommodation. Airbnb’s role is in providing to the Australian Red Cross, the contact information of hosts who want to volunteer their homes to evacuees.
Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia, said: “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods and the local authorities working hard to keep our communities safe.
“Through this effort, hosts on Airbnb can provide free, temporary housing to people displaced by the flooding. We are grateful for the generosity of our Host community and proud to support the work of the Australian Red Cross as they continue to coordinate closely with local emergency agencies and other local partners to help those in need.”
Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney, said that opening homes to evacuees was a vital way people could help those in need. “This is a terrible situation with thousands of people needing a roof over their heads. We’ve seen in past disasters how Airbnb Hosts can make a valuable difference during times of crisis, and we want to encourage hosts in impacted areas to volunteer if they’re able to be able to offer free, temporary accommodation.”
Airbnb is also encouraging people to donate to the Australian Red Cross Floods Appeal by visiting redcross.org.au or calling 1800 733 276
