Airbnb.org is collaborating with All Hands and Hearts, state and local officials, and local nonprofits to provide free emergency housing for those affected by recent flooding in central Texas. The initiative offers temporary accommodation to displaced residents and first responders at no cost, funded by Airbnb.org and donor contributions.
The process involves coordination with local organizations to identify individuals most in need of housing. Those impacted are referred to Airbnb.org by partners such as All Hands and Hearts, allowing them to book suitable accommodations using credits provided by the nonprofit. This effort also extends support to first responders and families searching for missing members.
“In the wake of the devastating flooding in Kerr County, the need for safe, immediate housing is urgent. We’re incredibly grateful to partner with Airbnb.org to ensure that first responders, families awaiting news of missing loved ones and those displaced by this disaster have a place to stay. Together, we’re helping restore a sense of stability and dignity in a time of crisis,” stated Nate Mook, CEO of All Hands and Hearts.
Airbnb.org was established in 2020 as a nonprofit organization leveraging the Airbnb platform for connecting those needing emergency housing with willing hosts. It ensures all donations are allocated directly towards providing crisis-time accommodation. Since its inception, it has facilitated over 1.6 million nights of free temporary lodging for more than 250,000 individuals.
Previously, Airbnb.org has extended similar assistance during natural disasters like tornadoes in Kentucky, wildfires in Los Angeles and Canada’s Jasper region, hurricanes in Florida, floods in Brazil, and an earthquake on Japan's Noto Peninsula.
Currently, Airbnb.org does not offer direct housing services but encourages those affected by the central Texas floods seeking emergency accommodation to contact All Hands and Hearts at texasflood@allhandsandhearts.org.
All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) is noted for its volunteer-driven disaster relief efforts aimed at addressing both immediate needs following a disaster as well as long-term recovery solutions. With nearly two decades of experience, AHAH remains engaged beyond initial relief efforts to help communities rebuild effectively.