Airbnb Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Brian Chesky announced on May 26 a MXN 20 million investment to expand Airbnb.org’s Medical Stays program across Mexico. Over the next three years, the initiative will provide free housing in Airbnb listings for families traveling to Mexico City for lifesaving cancer care and other specialized treatments.
The Medical Stays program is run by Airbnb.org, an independent nonprofit founded by Airbnb to offer free, temporary housing during crises. The program partners with civil-society organizations to match families needing medical support with hosts, covering the cost of their stays. Chesky said, “When a family travels far so their child can receive medical treatment, the last thing they should worry about is where they’ll sleep. Airbnb.org’s superpower is using our platform and community of hosts to quickly connect people to housing when they need it most. This investment is a commitment to helping as many families across Mexico as possible.”
Three new organizations—Fundación IMSS, Ayúdame a sonreír ante el cáncer and Aquí nadie se rinde—are joining existing partners such as Fundación Vuela, Casa de la Amistad, Fundación Ronald McDonald México, and Fundación Lilo México in supporting the expanded effort. Since launching at the end of 2025, more than 300 nights of free accommodation have been provided through this initiative.
Diego Parada, Co-founder and CEO of Vuela, said, “Families traveling to Mexico City for specialized medical care face a double burden: the demands of treatment and the cost of being far from home. Through the partnership between Fundación Vuela and Airbnb.org, they gain not only an affordable place to stay near the hospital but also a caring support network that allows parents like Blanca Asunción Aparicio Zárate…to focus on what matters most: their children’s well-being.” Ana Lía de Fátima García Gracía, General Director of Fundación IMSS, added that collaboration among sectors is key: “Every day, Mexico City receives families from across the country seeking specialized medical care. Initiatives like Airbnb.org’s Medical Stays program help provide a more comprehensive response…This collaboration between Airbnb.org and Fundación IMSS is key to building a more supportive ecosystem.”
Erik Álvarez, an Airbnb host participating in Medical Stays, said: “Helping someone with a specific need…is incredibly rewarding…I discovered that I truly want to help and support people during difficult times—and that’s something that’s changed the way I see myself.” According to data from INEGI (National Institute of Statistics and Geography), over 40 percent of specialized healthcare institutions are located in Mexico City; accommodation costs can account for up to 60 percent of total expenses for families traveling for treatment.
With this investment and its expanded partner network, Airbnb.org aims to consolidate its collaborative model reducing barriers for Mexican families accessing healthcare during critical moments. Founded originally as an air mattress rental service before growing into an international platform connecting guests with hosts worldwide—including unique homes or experiences—Airbnb now operates in more than 220 countries offering diverse lodging options such as entire homes or private rooms alongside local activities like cooking classes or guided tours, according to the official website.
