Airbnb.org partners with state department to provide free, emergency housing to first responders in New Mexico

In response to the Trout Fire near Silver City, New Mexico, Airbnb.org partnered with New Mexico’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) to provide free, emergency housing to first responders.  This included support for emergency personnel focused on fires, and housing for swiftwater rescue teams prepositioned to respond to flash flooding in areas impacted by recent fires.  Stays are completely free for teams and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of donors.

“When disasters strike in New Mexico, our emergency responders jump into action to protect our communities without hesitation, so it was incredible to be able to give them a comfortable place to go at the end of a shift to decompress and to rest,” said NM State Director, Ali Rye. “We deeply appreciate the work Airbnb.org did in our community during this disaster.”

As New Mexico faces additional fire-related risks and flooding in mountain communities, Airbnb.org has also committed to supporting future emergency responses in the state by housing first responders. 

How it works

Airbnb.org works with local organizations to help identify those in greatest need of emergency housing, including first responders. Airbnb.org has partnered with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) to provide free, emergency housing for first responders. This initiative ensures that responders and technical teams can stay close to disaster zones, enabling rapid and effective response when it is needed most.

Airbnb.org is a nonprofit organization founded by Airbnb that connects people to emergency housing in times of crisis. Airbnb.org uses the Airbnb platform to connect people who need a place to stay with Airbnb hosts willing to share theirs. 100 percent of all donations go directly to providing emergency housing in times of crisis. Since its founding in 2020, Airbnb.org has provided 1.6 million nights of free, temporary housing to more than 250,000 people.

Most recently, Airbnb.org offered free, temporary housing to people displaced by flooding in Texas, wildfires in Los Angeles and Jasper, Canada, Hurricanes Milton and Helene in Florida, floods in Brazil, and the earthquake in Japan’s Noto Peninsula. 

Note: Airbnb.org does not offer housing directly to individuals at this time.

How to help

Those interested in offering discounted stays to people in need of emergency housing can visit Airbnb.org for more information. Airbnb waives all service fees for Airbnb.org hosts and guests. Hosts who sign up to share their home through Airbnb.org receive damage protection and liability insurance with AirCover for each booking.
You can also support housing first responders in New Mexico and other crises by donating to Airbnb.org. 100 percent of donations go toward providing emergency housing.