The comfort and privilege of “home” has come into focus in a poignant, tragic way this week as the most destructive wildfires in L.A. history rage through neighborhoods, displace residents and animals, and set businesses and houses people have put love, sweat, and tears into creating ablaze.
Along with other recent natural disasters and ongoing events of violence around the world, it is clear that now is a time to be grateful for our homes and communities and to help those who have lost or left theirs.
Airbnb is making this a high priority and offering a helping hand to Los Angeles residents. The company’s crisis response organization, Airbnb.org, has partnered with 211 LA to provide those who qualify with a free place to stay. As of now, they have already given 6,500 people access to temporary housing with the cooperation of Airbnb hosts. Today, they announced a commitment to provide free, emergency housing to an additional 25,000 people.
Though supply is limited, you can fill out this intake form to begin the process of securing shelter. If you are matched with a place to stay, your time at the property will be entirely funded by Airbnb.org or provided free at the generosity of Airbnb hosts. Per the 211 LA form, these are the eligibility requirements:
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must have been displaced from your physical home due to the recent fires.
- You must currently reside in an evacuation zone.
- You must have an active Airbnb account or be able to create one.
According to NBC News, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed yesterday that 180,000 people are under evacuation orders while 200,000 have evacuation warnings. Firefighters are still combating five fires across L.A. County. The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire, and Lidia Fire are all active and many residents are still watching to see if they will need to leave their homes.
In the last year, Airbnb.org set up similar support for those affected by disasters in Spain, Florida, Nevada, and Georgia. While companies like Airbnb use their unique resources for housing aid, other individuals and companies are putting energy into providing meals and donations to the tireless L.A. firefighters, funds to those who need to rebuild, care for lost pets, and more. To see how you can help from near or far, explore this list of options.
This is a developing natural disaster. Since publication, facts and details about the situation may have evolved.
