In Montreal: health worker are looking for free place to stay while working not to infect their family... do you want to help?

Christine2582
Level 1
Montreal, Canada

In Montreal: health worker are looking for free place to stay while working not to infect their family... do you want to help?

I read an article in La Presse today, and some health worker that deal everyday with Covid-19 have no where to stay. Some live in their car because they are afraid to spead the virus within their loved ones. Can you help and provide for free an apartment? 

3 Replies 3
Helen3
Top Contributor
Bristol, United Kingdom

If you want to help them @Christine2582  you can sign up to Airbnb's key worker scheme so you can provide accommodation for key workers.

Christine2582
Level 1
Montreal, Canada

Thank you. I was not aware. It is too bad that it has not been more publicized.  It could have change the image that our community have on Airbnb apartment. 

Sarah977
Level 10
Sayulita, Mexico

@Christine2582  There isn't any reason why a host has to offer accomodation to a health worker for free, unless they want to. It's a generous offer, and wonderful if you can afford it, but not required. There's no reason why it can't be offered at a discount, or at least for enough to cover the expenses of someone staying, like utilities, cleaning, and whatever amenities, like tea and coffee, snacks, paper products, or whatever a host normally provides. No need to make a profit, but also not necessary to pay out of pocket for those things, if it's a financial hardship.

Sometimes the worker's place of employment may cover the cost of temporary housing.

If you do offer to house medical and other essential workers, it would be a good idea to remove any extraneous things from the rental unit. These workers need a place to sleep, shower, and cook. They aren't relaxing on holiday, so you can  pare down what's there- purely decorative items, throw pillows, lots of extra dishes, etc, won't be needed, and if you remove them beforehand, there will be that much less to clean and sterilize properly.