Airbnb will provide free housing for 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in Europe

Ukrainians fleeing their country Attacks from Russia will be offered free short-term accommodation by Airbnb.

The platform seeks to help refugees in Europe. Airbnb co-founder and chief executive Brian Chesky reached out to executives in Germany, Hungary, Poland and Romania, offering the company’s support to Ukrainians within their borders.

The movement is fueled by Airbnb.orgthe not-for-profit arm of the Accommodation Booking Portal, which was set up to help provide temporary accommodation in times of crisis.

No further information was provided on the duration of the free short-term stays, but the company said it would also work with respective governments to support longer-term efforts.

Costs for these stays will be covered by Airbnb, as well as the company’s refugee fund and hosts willing to provide discounted or free accommodation.

Ukraine has seen crowds and traffic jams at border points as people try to leave the country. More than five million people have crossed the border since the fighting began, UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said on Monday.

The majority of them fled to Poland. On Friday, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said the country’s border was open “to all Ukrainians, even those without valid IDs”.

How to help refugees in Europe?

Airbnb.org will work directly through non-profit organizations on the ground, who are responsible for booking and coordinating stays for refugee guests in each country.

People interested in welcoming refugees can register on the Airbnb website where those unable to host can get involved by donating to help cover temporary accommodation costs.

Last week, Airbnb announced that it had provided temporary housing for 21,300 Afghan refugees.

Updated: March 01, 2022, 12:24 PM