Airbnb unveils non-profit to support needy amid the pandemic

US-based vacation rental service Airbnb has unveiled its not-for-profit initiative dedicated to offering temporary stays for lesser privileged people amid the pandemic. 

Airbnb’s non-profit wing Airbnb(dot)org will work closely with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Community Organised Relief Effort (CORE) to offer critical support and stays for essential workers and volunteers fighting the spread of COVID-19.

The vacation rental service firm has committed 400,000 of its shares to support the initiative with an additional $6 million to be contributed by co-founders Joe Gebbia, Brian Chesky and Nate Blecharczyk.

Speaking about the initiative Airbnb’s current chairman and co-founder Mr. Joe Gebbia remarked that “Airbnb.org is a testament to our community’s generosity and the power of an idea that started with one host eight years ago and has transformed into a movement of compassion and hospitality.”

“Founding and supporting Airbnb.org allows us to double down on our efforts to help communities in need across the world in coordination with our partners, including the IFRC and CORE, to further amplify the generosity of our host community, the Airbnb chairman further added.

Extensive Global Support 

More than 100,000 hosts all across the globe, from Australia to France have agreed to open up their homes and offered accommodations to 75,000 people.

Airbnb’s Open Homes and Frontline stays programs will be called Airbnb(dot)org from now on.

Airbnb will attest hosts who support the cause by offering free stays or making recurring donations with a special badge on their profile to recognize their generosity and commitment to communities in need.

Airbnb is committing $1 million over the next two years to accommodate IFRC volunteers and staff along with another $1 million in support for CORE essential workers at COVID-19 testing sites and at future vaccine distribution centers.