Airbnb is offering free temporary housing to people impacted by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Here's how to get help.
California's wildfires have been raging out of control this week, with at least five people dead, over 1000 buildings destroyed, and more than 100,000 residents ordered to evacuate. The fires remain largely uncontained despite local firefighters' best efforts, burning thousands of acres with no signs of slowing. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency while President Joe Biden has approved a Major Disaster declaration, and agencies across the country are sending assistance in fighting the flames.
However, with so many people evacuating, it raises the question of where they should go. Information on evacuation centers can be found on the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Los Angeles Fire Department's websites, with the Westwood Recreation Center, Pan Pacific Recreation Center, and Ritchie Valens Recreation Center a few of the options available. The Los Angeles Equestrian Center will temporarily house large animals.
Now Airbnb.org has partnered with non-profit 221 LA County to offer free temporary housing as well, helping more evacuees find a safe place to stay. A non-profit founded by short-term rental platform Airbnb, Airbnb.org coordinates discounted or free emergency housing during crises. It previously ran a similar program in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
"Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts — many of whom offer their home for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org," said Airbnb in its announcement on Wednesday. The company has also stated that it is waiving all service fees for both hosts and guests.
To be eligible for Airbnb's free temporary housing, you must currently reside in an evacuation zone and have been displaced due to the current wildfires. This means that either your home has been destroyed, or you've been forced to evacuate. You must also be over 18 and have an Airbnb account.
If you fulfill these requirements, you can apply for Airbnb's housing support by filling out a form on 211 LA County's website. As of writing, all available Airbnb locations have already been allocated. Nevertheless, 211 LA County is still encouraging people to sign up in case more space becomes available.
Airbnb's housing offer is currently focused on people in Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar areas, however the company states that it may expand to other areas as well.
Hosts can visit Airbnb.org if they would like to offer free or discounted stays to people impacted by the wildfires.
The announcement of this initiative coincided with notable criticism of Airbnb on social media, after the company reportedly told a user that her cancellation of a booking close to the ongoing Palisades Fire wasn't covered by its Major Disruptive Events Policy.
"To clarify, I called Airbnb to request help with rebooking accommodations farther from the danger zone," wrote Ana Mostarac, providing further context to her widely-shared post on X. "As always, their policies failed to account for context."
The company later told CNN that it has since offered Mostarac a full refund.
Mashable has reached out to Airbnb for comment.
