Airbnb steps up

In coordination with the NSW Government and the Australian Red Cross, Airbnb has announced that hosts can offer free, temporary accommodation to evacuees impacted by the catastrophic NSW floods.

Through this coordination effort, hosts on Airbnb can volunteer their homes by providing their contact information through this dedicated page: airbnb.com/2022aufloods.

Airbnb says it will then work with the Australian Red Cross to provide flood evacuees and those in need with free, temporary accommodation.

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for Australia, said, ‘Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the floods and the local authorities working hard to keep our communities safe.

‘Through this effort, Hosts on Airbnb can provide free, temporary housing to people displaced by the flooding. We are grateful for the generosity of our Host community and proud to support the work of the Australian Red Cross as they continue to coordinate closely with local emergency agencies and other local partners to help those in need.’

Terrible situation

Stuart Ayres, NSW Minister for Tourism and Western Sydney, said that opening up homes to evacuees was a vital way people could help those in need.

‘This is a terrible situation with thousands of people needing a roof over their heads,’ he said.

‘We’ve seen in past disasters how Airbnb Hosts can make a valuable difference during times of crisis and we want to encourage Hosts in impacted areas to volunteer if they’re in a position to be able to offer free, temporary accommodation.’

Hosts on Airbnb in impacted regions across NSW can now share their listing details with the Australian Red Cross to offer free, temporary stays to those in need.

Airbnb is also encouraging people to donate to the Australian Red Cross Floods Appeal by visiting redcross.org.au or calling 1800 733 276

Hosts on Airbnb can volunteer their homes by providing their contact information here: airbnb.com/2022aufloods.