Airbnb has expanded its Open Homes program with a new initiative that lets hosts donate part of their earnings to people in need of housing.
Called ‘donations’ hosts can set a percentage amount – from 1-100% of their payout – which will go to organizations like the International Rescue Committee, All Hands and Hearts, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation that support displaced people with housing needs.
Airbnb reckons that if all hosts in the US donated only 1% of their earnings in the next year, the organizations could pay for housing for up to two million people in need.
It differs from the Open Homes program which allows hosts to open up their homes for free when disaster strikes.
"Many hosts in our community are eager to help when a crisis hits, but aren’t always able to open their homes. We developed this donations tool to give them an easy, straightforward way to make an impact," says Airbnb chief product officer, Joe Gebbia.
Airbnb says the Open Homes program has so far helped over 25,000 people seeking temporary shelter during natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding and wildfires.
