As Hurricanes Helene and Milton leave trails of destruction across several U.S. states, thousands of residents are facing the urgent need for shelter. In response to this crisis, Airbnb.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with temporary housing in times of emergency, has stepped up to provide free accommodations for those affected by these powerful storms.
Partnering with local nonprofits for swift action
Airbnb.org is working closely with local nonprofits and contact centers in states most impacted by the hurricanes—Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Together, they are offering a crucial lifeline to individuals displaced by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Organizations like the Florida United Methodist Conference (FLUMC), United Way, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), and local 211 contact centers have been instrumental in identifying those in need and connecting them with free temporary housing.
These partnerships are allowing Airbnb.org to extend its reach and provide housing in some of the hardest-hit counties, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Walton in Florida; Effingham and Chatham in Georgia; and various other locations across the Southeast. Residents can contact their local 211 centers or partner organizations for assistance in finding temporary shelter.
How residents can access temporary housing
Airbnb.org’s system is designed to make it easy for displaced residents to access free housing quickly. Local nonprofits and 211 contact centers are working tirelessly to identify individuals and families most in need. In Florida, those in affected counties can contact their local 211 center for support, while in Sarasota and Manatee, FLUMC is stepping in to coordinate assistance. Similarly, GEM is managing housing support for displaced residents in Pasco County.
Other states are also receiving support. In North and South Carolina, local 211 centers are the main points of contact for residents needing housing, while Georgia’s counties are being supported through both 211 centers and the Greater Valdosta United Way.
The scope of Airbnb.org’s support
This is not the first time Airbnb.org has activated its resources in response to natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has helped provide more than 1.6 million nights of free emergency housing to nearly 240,000 people across the globe. Whether it’s wildfires in California, earthquakes in Japan, or floods in Brazil, Airbnb.org’s mission is to help communities recover from catastrophic events.
For the victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the organization is once again mobilizing its network of Airbnb hosts, many of whom are generously offering their homes for free or at discounted rates. These stays are funded through donations to Airbnb.org, and Airbnb itself is covering service fees for hosts and guests. This allows displaced individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives without the added burden of housing costs.
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How you can help
Airbnb hosts and community members looking to help those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton can do so in several ways. One option is to sign up as an Airbnb.org host, offering free or discounted accommodations to those in need. Airbnb provides hosts with protection and liability insurance through its AirCover program, ensuring peace of mind during the relief efforts.
Additionally, anyone can support the cause by donating to Airbnb.org. All donations made before November 1 will be matched 100 percent by Airbnb, doubling the impact of each contribution. These funds are used directly to provide emergency housing for people displaced by the hurricanes.
Support for Airbnb hosts and guests
In recognition of the ongoing challenges caused by the hurricanes, Airbnb has also activated its Major Disruptive Events Policy. This policy allows hosts in severely affected areas, such as Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, to cancel bookings without penalties. Guests with reservations in these regions can also cancel their stays for a full refund, providing flexibility and support in uncertain times.
The Airbnb customer support team is on standby to assist hosts and guests who have questions or need guidance on their bookings. Affected hosts and guests can find more information about eligible stays by visiting their Trips page on the Airbnb website.
Airbnb’s ongoing commitment to disaster relief
Airbnb.org has become a beacon of hope in times of disaster, providing crucial support when people need it the most. The organization’s ability to connect people with safe, temporary housing through its platform has made a meaningful difference in countless lives. As Hurricanes Helene and Milton continue to impact communities, Airbnb.org’s swift response and partnerships with local nonprofits are a reminder of the power of community during times of crisis.
