How you can help refugees fleeing Ukraine

[Catherine-Powell]

Hi everyone, 

I’m Catherine, Airbnb’s Global Head of Hosting. Over the past week, so many lives have been devastated by the unfolding scenes of violence in Ukraine. In this moment of global crisis, we’re turning our attention to how we can help. 

We want to let you know that Airbnb.org has committed to offering free, short-term housing for up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine. Airbnb.org will provide funding and support for nonprofit partners on the ground who will directly facilitate temporary stays for refugees.

We have heard from Hosts who have been directly affected by the violence or are worried for family and friends in the region. And I’ve been heartened to hear from so many of you who want to get involved and help, and in the coming days, we’ll have more details about how you can do so. 

In the meantime, you can sign up to provide emergency housing in your area or make a donation to Airbnb.org’s Refugee Fund. To learn more about Airbnb.org and the effort to temporarily house refugees fleeing Ukraine, head to the Resource Center. 

We’ll be in touch with more very soon. If you have questions or suggestions, you can always tag me directly on the Community Center: @Catherine-Powell 

Until then, take good care of yourselves and each other. 

Catherine

[Dale711]

Hi @Ivan1879 ,

How did you think of this? ‘ incredible ‘

This is insanely good, your, efforts really makes Ukrainian proud  💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙

[Ivan1879]

You know, when is war our brain works in different way❤️

[Stephanie]

This both breaks and warms my heart @Ivan1879 . Thanks for sharing.

[Henry543]

How can we help?

[Ivan1879]

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/1191313

You can book apartment, all your money will go for orphans 

[Ivan1879]

Henry543 

https://www.airbnb.com.ua/rooms/52833829?adults=1&s=42&unique_share_id=3D937066-9224-49ED-BA91-B3399...

Here uou can book it

[Till-and-Jutta0]

The action to "book non-stays" in Ukraine is making big waves. Brian Chesky tweeted that during 48 hours 61,406 overnight stays were booked in Ukraine, resulting in an amount of 1.9 million USD flowing to hosts* in need. Many media outlets also reported on this relief effort, which was initiated purely by Airbnb members. Both unused Superhost vouchers and their own funds were used.

Since the accommodation market is now empty, some guests switch to experiences. These can be increased in capacity more easily and still be offered at short notice. After all, booking accommodation in a more distant period makes little sense in view of the rapid development.

From me as a traveler and host the tip: Look closely at the offers, and also look if / what reviews from the past are available. It cannot be excluded that this situation is used to list new accommodations, both from previous and new hosts. New Airbnb accommodations generally go through a verification process where some fake accommodations are rejected. And initial payouts are subject to a 30-day delay, as far as I know, to make sure the good money doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

If you want to do good, you can do so by donating. As a host, I read a call for donations in kind to please only be targeted and made in advance with local collection points. If you want to do something, do not start your own actions, but please inform yourself first at the appropriate NGO’s what is needed where and when. Donate money at appropriate places such as https://www.airbnb.org/help-ukraine or other aid organizations.

I think the willingness to help is great: people come together in times of need!

[Ivan1879]

Yes, you are right!

[Олег35]

Thank you all users for supporting Ukrainians!

We are waiting for everyone to visit after the war

[Ivan1879]

Thank you Airbnb community from orphans ftom Kyiv and Odesa!

[Stephanie]

It's truly bringing floods of tears to me, reading about all of your work and selfless actions for the Ukrainian refugees fleeing is just so moving.

@Till-and-Jutta0 @Samantha744 @Henry539 @Leigh517 - have you welcomed anyone into your home yet? I read that you had listed on Airbnb.org.

Would be lovely to hear your stories!

Thanks,

Stephanie

[Richann0]

A few days ago, I signed up one of my two rooms to be listed with Airbnb.org, but haven't heard anything back yet. I'm sensing it's still being orchestrated. And, I'm in Florida, USA, and can only offer a single occupancy, so I'm not confident that my listing is going to meet many Ukrainian's needs - but you never know. I will share here if it does to let others know.

[Leigh517]

Not yet. I am guessing it could still be some time for me. I’m in the U.S.

But we are ready to help!! 

[Richann0]

I still haven't heard anything from Airbnb.org though I've signed up to host refugees two weeks ago; Have you yet?

[Till-and-Jutta0]

No single booking request until now.

I learned, that our private room is not suitable for a transit stay. Refugees are being welcomed in large central accomodations organized by our local administration, where they are registered, supported, informed and receive food, medical treatment and financial support. All of which we can't do.

And we can't offer a settlement stay.

So we decided to continue regular hosting and donate the income.