People who fled the war in Ukraine arrive at a temporary shelter set up in a former shopping center in Przemysl, Poland. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON – Airbnb says they are working to deliver free temporary housing for up to 100,000 refugees leak Ukraine during the Russian invasion. The company finances the accommodation with the help of Airbnb hosts and donations made to Airbnb.org.
Airbnb says its hosts will provide beds and amenities for the guests who have taken refuge in the houses between a few days or a few weeks. Airbnb is also working with nonprofits within its network to verify the eligibility of refugee guests prior to their stay.
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The company says it offers financial protection to hosts through Air Coverwhich includes $1 million in liability insurance, $1 million in property damage protection, income loss protection and pet damage protection.
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In only seven days of fighting, more than 2% of the Ukrainian population was expelled from the country. Among the more than one million refugees who have fled Ukraine In recent days, some 200 orphans with severe physical and mental disabilities arrived from Kyiv by train in Hungary on Wednesday.
Airbnb’s housing assistance for Ukrainian refugees continues an initiative the company started last year when it provided housing to refugees from Afghanistan. Refugees have fled the country to escape the Taliban regime and resettle in safer areas around the world.
RELATED: Airbnb lets anyone host Afghan refugees, not just hosts
Airbnb has partnered with the International Rescue Committee, HIAS, and Church World Service to set up the Afghan housing program.
Last month, Airbnb announced on their website that they have achieved a goal of setting up stays for 20,000 Afghan refugee guests.
To learn more about Airbnb’s Homestay Program for Ukrainian Refugees, including how to offer assistance, Click here.
FOX 4 Dallas and The Associated Press contributed to this story. This story was reported from Washington, DC
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