You can help those affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine through Airbnb, using the online booking tool to send money directly to people in need.
There are many ways to help people, and Airbnb has created a creative way to let Ukrainian hosts know that the rest of the world has their back.
“It’s pretty overwhelming,” Pat Kornychuk said, referring to Airbnb listings she responded to and booked a virtual staycation.
Typically, a user will go to Airnbn to book a stay for themselves. This new option allows people who do not intend to travel to book a stay and donate the money directly to the host in Ukraine.
On its website, Airbnb says more than 61,000 room nights have been booked in the war-torn country in just two days by people around the world, more than half of them in the United States.
“You just have to press a little button and see who you’re donating to leave a comment, you just tell them you won’t visit, keep the money and the world prays for you,” Kornychuk said. .
Six days ago, Lauren Manella booked a week-long stay at this two-bedroom apartment in Kyiv. The grateful host promised to use the money to pay his staff as well.
The two women started chatting through the company’s webpage. They are still in contact.
“Yesterday they were on the floor of a church in western Ukraine with his two children and his elderly mother,” Manella said. “Now headed to Romania in search of temporary accommodation until leaving for Tel Aviv.”
Airbnb has waived its fees in Ukraine, so the entire booking goes back to the host. But how will you know if an ad is legitimate? Here’s what we found for you. Check reviews and names of previous customers. In Ekatarina’s case, Manella found over 750 reviews and learned the property was first listed in 2018.
“$20 a day for a damn cheap room. You can’t even buy two cocktails in this town, so why not? said Kornychuk.
Airbnb announced that it has blocked its sites in Russia and Belarus so that no activity is carried out there.
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