Airbnb Will Send 10 Cents From Every Stay to Airbnb.org, Aiming for 1 Million Free Emergency Nights a Year

Airbnb announced on October 28 that it will direct a small share of its revenue from every booking to Airbnb.org, its nonprofit that provides free temporary housing for people in crisis. The goal is to raise $500 million over five years and provide 1 million free nights of emergency housing each year.

How it works

According to Skift's reporting, Airbnb will send 10 cents from each qualifying stay to the nonprofit, regardless of price. The money comes from Airbnb's own revenue, so travelers pay no extra fee and hosts' earnings are not reduced. Additional gifts from Airbnb, foundations and individuals, including hosts, are expected to help reach the total.

CEO Brian Chesky said that "every time someone books a home on Airbnb," they will help someone else find a place to stay.

The scale

• Airbnb.org says it has provided more than 1.6 million free nights to over 250,000 people in nearly 140 countries
• It says it responded to more than 200 disasters this year, up from eight in 2023
• Skift reports the new target is about ten times the roughly 100,000 nights it is on track to provide this year

The nonprofit uses homes already listed on Airbnb and pays hosts for the stays, which lets it find housing quickly after a hurricane, wildfire or other sudden displacement. It has also expanded to help families traveling for medical care, survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and veterans with serious illnesses.

Context

Executive director Christoph Gorder told Skift that reaching 1 million nights will require more partnerships with governments, hospitals and emergency-management groups. Skift also raised the question of whether 10 cents per booking is enough, though it noted the amount is more than Booking.com and Vrbo give per stay. Airbnb has faced criticism elsewhere, including a lawsuit over price gouging after Los Angeles wildfires.