Refugees

[Jeannette45]

Is anyone hosting for refugees?

[Huma0]

@Jeannette45 

I signed up for airbnb.org but no one has been in touch yet. That may be because I don't have any available dates for a few weeks having all three rooms currently occupied by long term guests. I can't chuck out my existing guests, but thought I might be able to help provide some accommodation during the gaps in-between them.

[Stephanie]

Hi @Huma0 ,

Thank you so much for offering your space by signing up with Airbnb.org. As we're all too aware, refugees will need a space at the drop of a hat so I do encourage you to remain opted in. The need for UK spaces is likely to continue to evolve in the upcoming months 😢

Thanks,

Steph

[Helen3]

I've been hosting refugees from many countries over the last six years and do this around existing bookings through local refugee charities .

Personally I wouldn't host refugees through Airbnb.org as there aren't proper vetting procedures in place, hosts aren't offered training and support etc. 

[Stephanie]

Hi @Helen3 ,

Firstly, I just want to say how amazing it has been seeing you spearhead support for the Ukraine crisis here on the Community Center. You have been an incredible leader and helped direct Hosts and refugees to the best resources and help.I just wanted to share some resources about Airbnb.org that may help:

On how people become eligible for emergency stays through Airbnb.org: Airbnb.org often works with nonprofit organisations and resettlement agencies specialising in crisis response and refugee resettlement to facilitate on-the-ground support, including assessing the needs and eligibility of potential guests. In some cases, Airbnb.org guests may be eligible to book temporary accommodations on their own. To do so, these guests must set up an Airbnb account, which includes identity verification checks.Training and support that is available to Airbnb.org Hosts:

• We have created this RC article, which provides tips for hosting a refugee guest and links to resources from trusted partners
• During the stay, Airbnb.org Hosts have access to Airbnb.org Customer Support, Airbnb provides Hosts with AirCover, which includes $1 million in liability insurance, $1 million in damage protection, and more   

I was wondering as well @Helen3 , as you clearly are very knowledgable and experienced in hosting refugees, are there any additional links or resources you can share here for other Hosts?

Thanks,
Steph

[Karen3294]

@Stephanie our Ukrainian family arrive in the UK on Wednesday. They have an AirBnB account already in the Ukraine but cannot see how to book our place which is listed on AirBnB.org 

We have blocked the calendar out now for their stay but would prefer not to lose those days as counting towards our Superhost status. 

If one of the AirBnB team want to contact us to arrange this - that would be great! 

Thank you! 

[Emilie]

Hi @Karen3294, 

That's really exciting, I hope everything goes well with this family!

I've tried to find a bit more info for you on my end regarding this problem you've run into; at this time, guests can only be referred to the program through Airbnb.org’s nonprofit partners. In the event that our intake process changes, any updates will be posted on the website: airbnb.org/help-ukraine.

I hope this answers some of your questions, as well as yours @Mikki6!

Thanks,

Emilie

[Mikki6]

Hello All. I havé for t’en days now refugees in my house, from Oekraïne. I Made a special account bij Airbnb.org. Thé problem is that my guests cannot subscribe for my house. The house is there, the dates are open..(we checked) they made an account with all what is asked, adres, phone number, identity.( they are from Kiev) but when the go to the link I send them..a link via Airbnb.org there is no possibility for them to book. There is no solution on Airbnb. Org for this we have been reading this page 4 times. 

[Emilie]

@Mikki6 I know it's been a little while since you posted here, but I wanted to check if you got to the bottom of this in the end or need more help? Do give us a shout if you didn't find a solution!

Additionally, as I see you live in France, I wanted to mention we have a French-speaking Community Center available as well, where you can talk with other Hosts in French, in case you'd prefer doing so. 🙂

[Mikki6]

Hello Émilie thanks it is ok for me to write in English. No thé problems is not solved, we let the idea that we could bring my guests into the Airbnb.org program fly away..not possible.

[Jennifer1891]

We have been hosting refugees in our AIRBNB since early March as there are a lot in our area (Germany)  who needed somewhere to stay and may organizations and the government asked the public for help.

Initially we thought it would be short term but our two refugees have nowhere else to go and will stay for at least the foreseeable months so we have blocked the calendar (apart from July/August when the refugees will stay in our house if we get bookings).

However, after an email exchange AIRBNB support have now confirmed that we will not be able to pause/keep our Superhost status. We will lose it as we will be unable to make the minimum number of bookings this year and will have to start from scratch to build it up again when the refugees finally leave. I think this is SHAMEFUL. We have not asked our refugee guests for any payment -they arrived without any money and we are paying all bills for the property they are staying in. Even when we can eventually rent out our place to paying guests (who knows when), we will have to build up our superhost status again.  AIRBNB surely, there must be a way to allow hosts to help refugees without them losing their superhost status???

[Karen3294]

We have the same issue, our family arrive on Wednesday, we will let them stay in our AirBnB and they have an account but we and they cannot find a way of booking officially.

Seems strange that AirBnB publicise the refugee support but we cannot access it!

Will keep you posted if we have a breakthrough! 

[Mikki6]

The same answer for you Karen. Thanks anyway that you are also helping our Ukrainian friends out. 

[Mikki6]

Hello Jennifer from Edinborought. Thanks for your reaction. Yes it seems impossible to bring our guests into the program..and nobody can help. First I tought it was our fault, that we did something wrong, now I see I am not alone. It is really a shame like you say…

[Emilie]

@Jennifer1891 Apologies for not replying earlier, I was trying to gather some info for you on this!

It's wonderful to hear that you've been opening up your home to refugees, it's incredibly generous of you.

Although for the latest assessment this month, refugees stays via Airbnb.org did count towards your Superhost status, anything done off-platform can't be taken into account at this time - it sounds like this was the case for you. I appreciate you sharing your feedback on this though, and have passed it on to the team. 🙂