“In these moments of real stress for community members, we can mobilize our hosts,” Ellie Mertz says.
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I had a conversation with Airbnb CFO Ellie Mertz yesterday, who explained that Airbnb.org, a nonprofit founded by Airbnb that provides free emergency housing, is partnering with 211 LA, a group that is identifying Los Angeles County residents in need of temporary housing. They are specifically focused on residents who have either lost their homes or been forced to evacuate in the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar areas. Airbnb encourages those in need of assistance for free temporary housing to fill out this form or contact 211 LA.
Existing Airbnb hosts, and those who aren’t registered hosts, who want to open up their homes during this time of need are encouraged to volunteer, Mertz said. Hosts who sign up to share their homes through Airbnb.org receive damage protection and liability insurance with AirCover for each booking.
