I'm trying to keep as neutral as possible. So this is what I'm reading from the comments.
Before I add in my views, lets make this clear- I'm a Canadian who has been living in Southern California for over 25 years. And I agree that ABB should compensate the Hosts that take in guests. ABB is NOT losing a penny over using hosts. We have to spend money on strangers and boosts ABB failing reputation. Also, as many hosts have written, they get requests for free stays because they're exhausted-not because they're victims.
1) Those that are supporting the 'Free Homes' program live in Canada. You make your comments that hosts who are against are not charitable etc. Well, you are thinking as a Canadian living in Canada with a completely financial set up ie in schools, taxes, daily living and social etiquette. In general, Canadians are friendlier and tend to be more honest. And if life fails you, the Canadian government will step in and help.
It's a different mindset here. If we fail here -it's easy to be homeless in less than 3 months. Go read the stats during the economic crisis from 2007-2010 when so many Americans became jobless and homeless in a matter of months.
2) Hosts that really understand the depth of how easy it is for potential guests to abuse the system live in the US. Therefore, we are skeptical, oppose or prefer payment from ABB to the hosts for hosting the alleged victims of disasters. I did read some of the Free Home program, it doesn't say how long we are obligated to host and at what cost to us. ABB already does a piss poor job of vetting guests who come into our homes . Go read Jessica's post who had a guest make a meth lab in her house or the lady who had a bipolar/ schizophrenic who 'insisted' on coming into her home after the police assisted him out or Greg from France who had someone come to his door with 2 other people without telling the Host and caused a major problem for Greg when he refused him entry. Myself, I had a guest that stayed 2.5 months 'borrow' my stuff on day of check out.
How can we trust ABB to accurately vet a disaster victim?
Even if I were to host 1 person, if they are truly a victim, I'd be housing and feeding that person. If that person is removed from his/her home, I'm sure they'll need to eat and be clothed. And if they are in that much urgency, what if one day I come home and all my belongings are gone? That has happened to a Host in San Francisco.
Electricity, gas, water, internet, toilette paper, soaps, drinking water, new or clean clothes etc is expensive where I live.
If ABB wants to boosts their failing reputation and prevent lawsuits, they should offer to pay Hosts for their time.
This is not an insult to any country, religion or gender. It's a perspective that needs to be factored in.
We're more cautious and rightfully so.