Airbnb to offer free, short-term accommodation to refugees from Ukraine

Airbnb promised to free, short-term housing for up to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine.

The company on Monday began contacting European leaders—starting in nearby nations of Romania, Poland, Hungary, and Germany—offering support for asylum seekers within their borders.

The firm also plans to work with governments to “best support the specific needs in each country, including providing longer-term stays.”

“We know that hosts and guests on Airbnb around the world will be eager to stand up and assist this massive effort to help those fleeting Ukraine,” the company wrote in a blog announcement, promising more details on how folks can support the initiative—including by providing free or discounted stays.

“We need help to meet this goal,” CEO Brian Chesky tweeted on Monday, urging the wider Airbnb community to offer their homes to those in need. “If you can’t host a refugee, you can still support by donating [online],” he continued.