-23F Weather + Empty Unit = Opportunity To Give Back

[Eric1078]

Hi,

I know this has been asked before, but ever since I started hosting this past summer, I've often wondered if there is some way I could "give back" to the community. My home is in a major urban area where housing insecurity is too prevelant. Politics aside, my altruistic self is wondering how I can use my "entire home" unit which is going unused to help those less fortunate.

The security risks are minimal given the way I have set up my apartment. Bigger risks are:

1. Compliance with leaving on time
2. Potential legal risks
3. Potential for damage/theft (which is always a problem but Airbnb's "vetting" and public scoring system significantly control for that with registered users)

My question: What is the world is Airbnb doing to help? Why can't we sign up for something that allows us to "give back"? It's going to be -23F tomorrow where I live. There is a 100% chance that human beings are going to perish in this weather. Yet I have a warm home that will go unusued (we require a 2 day minimum and same day booking prior to 3pm) for the next 2 nights. What a shame.

If we could somehow find solutions here that offer hosts protections with above, I'd be willing to help chip in for this. Hell, I'm going to pay for the cleaning afterwards anyway. But to have a back up from Airbnb would be necessary.

I know it's fraught with risk... but... is it really with the right group of people?

[Rebecca160]

@Eric1078 You are a most decent and caring person! Truly love that you want to give back. I know that Airbnb had something posted requesting help with those caught out by the government furloughs. Guessing here that there are still many that are now caught out of housing, before their paychacks become available. Perhaps you coul look under Helping Furloughed Workers? 

[Sonya55]

I have contacted non profits that I support and believe in.  I ask if they ever have clients who need a safe , free place short term.. domestic abuse , hospital, church, etc.  I also have a connection with couples who have live in foster children. Sometimes foster parents need a break and have no funds or time for a real vacation.  They can leave the kids with a foster respite family and run away to my condo for a weekend for free.