Donations to Ukraine hosts

[Janine380]

I've read in the past few days that people are booking rooms in Ukraine then messaging hosts to let them know they can donate the room/home/apt. This way, the hosts earn income directly. Today, an Airbnb customer service person advised me to donate through the company's philanthropic site, Airbnb.org. I want to know that my donation is going directly to a host in Ukraine.  Should I book a room and message the host or donate through Airbnb.org? 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Janine380 There is no right answer here. Reports in some newspapers suggest that the scammers are already taking advantage of the Ukranian war and creating listings that don't exist just to get paid. Sadly the original intent of helping Airbnb hosts in Ukraine is being lost. Perhaps find another charity that is working in Ukraine or, if you make a booking, make sure it is for a host with a small number of listings and reviews that show they have been operating  for at least a few months before the war started.