Airbnb Offers Free Housing to Those Affected by Hurricane Helene

After Hurricane Helene, a massive Category 4 storm, destroyed homes from northern Florida to Virginia, Airbnb.org is offering a helping hand. This not-for-profit branch of Airbnb is giving free places to stay for people in Florida and North Carolina who can’t live in their homes because of the hurricane.

Airbnb.org works with local groups to find people who need a temporary home the most. These stays don't cost anything because Airbnb.org covers the fees, with the help of Airbnb hosts who either let people stay for free or at a lower price.
 

How to Get Help

People with damaged homes or those who had to leave their homes during the hurricane can get this help. In Florida, affected residents should contact the Florida United Methodist Conference or their local 211 service to find a place to stay. In North Carolina, those affected by Hurricane Helene should also reach out to their local 211 service.

The Governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, expressed gratitude towards Airbnb.org for providing safe housing and working with local organizations to help those in need after Hurricane Helene's devastation.
 

Impact So Far

In the days following the hurricane, Airbnb.org has already provided housing for hundreds of people, according to Christoph Gorder, the executive director of the organization. They expect to help even more people needing temporary places to stay, usually offering homes for 10-14 days. 

The organization prioritizes families most in need and gives them the flexibility to choose a location that works best for them.
 

Support from Hosts

A host from Tampa, Florida, shared her motivation for offering her home to hurricane victims through Airbnb.org. She highlighted the critical need for safe shelter for those displaced by the storm and praised the effort of fellow Airbnb hosts in making their homes available without any service fees through Airbnb.org.

Till now, Airbnb.org has provided over 1.6 million nights of emergency stays for around 240,000 people affected by various emergencies. Homeowners willing to offer their space to displaced residents can sign up through their website.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many are facing the lack of flood insurance, comparing the damage in North Carolina to that of Hurricane Katrina, and dealing with additional challenges like hospital shortages of IV fluids. 

The hurricane has brought considerable devastation, including loss of lives, emphasizing the need for urgent aid and support services like those provided by Airbnb.org.

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