Abstract

As the facilitator of an online peer-to-peer accommodation trading platform, Airbnb is in the unique position of having access to millions of properties around the world. Airbnb can contact hosts who list properties in very specific regions, making it uniquely positioned to assist communities and governments when an unexpected disaster displaces people from their homes or tourist accommodation. Airbnb has actively used its network for this purpose since 2012 under its Open Homes program, and is continuing to do so under the difficult circumstances of COVID-19. To date, Airbnb has facilitated the donation of space to more than 70,000 people in need and to more than 100,000 frontline medical staff during COVID-19. At the end of 2020, Airbnb formalised this altruistic activity by founding an independent non-profit organisation called Airbnb.org.