Airbnb.org houses first responders in Venezuela after earthquakes

Airbnb.org, a nonprofit founded by Airbnb to provide emergency housing in times of crisis, is providing free, emergency housing to first responders to support relief efforts in Venezuela. Stays are free for these organizations, and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of donors.

In the week since the earthquakes struck, Airbnb.org partners have now booked more than 100 nights of free, emergency housing.

Airbnb.org is working with nonprofits Operation Blessing, All Hands & Hearts, Wine To Water and Peace Winds Japan to provide housing in Venezuela so first responders can stay close to where they’re performing rescue and relief work.

Airbnb.org is also providing free, emergency housing to first responders from Rescue Response International and Water Mission staging in the U.S. and neighboring countries. It is also working with additional nonprofits, including Project HOPE, CADENA International and Save the Children, to support their work.

“For first responders working long hours to provide life-saving relief efforts, having a place to call home gives them a chance to unwind and recharge for the next day,” said Airbnb.org Executive Director Christoph Gorder. “That’s why we’re partnering with relief organizations to provide free housing to emergency crews as they help the people of Venezuela.”

“Disaster response is about more than delivering supplies – it’s about making sure our teams can remain close to the communities they serve. Operation Blessing is deeply grateful for Airbnb.org’s partnership and generous grant, which is providing critical, reliable lodging for our staff in Venezuela so they can stay focused on bringing hope, relief, and practical help to families in crisis,” said Drew Friedrich, President of Operation Blessing.

“At All Hands & Hearts we truly believe that we’re stronger together. We are deeply grateful to Airbnb.org for standing besides in disaster response. The work in the impacted areas asked so much of our teams and knowing that we have a safe place to rest and recharge means that we can keep giving everything to the families of Venezuela,” said Nicolette Koeman, Chief Engagement Officer, All Hands & Hearts. “Partnerships like this are what makes survivor needs being met from the early hours after the event, and will walk alongside them towards long-term recovery.”

“Access to clean water is something everyone needs, and after a disaster, it becomes even more urgent. When water systems are damaged, the risk of waterborne illness rises quickly. We’re grateful to partner with organizations like Airbnb.org, whose support helps our team hit the ground running—getting water filters and other essential resources into the hands of people who need them as quickly as possible,” said Claire Dresselhaus, Wine To Water Disaster Response Manager.

“In the wake of the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, Project HOPE teams are providing critical medical care and addressing the most urgent humanitarian needs. Partnering with Airbnb.org ensures our frontline teams have a safe place to call home while they work around the clock,” said Chris Skopec, Project HOPE’s President.

“Water Mission has responded to nearly 90 disasters around the world, including similarly past devastating earthquakes in Turkey, Morocco, and Haiti,” said Water Mission Senior Director, Disaster Response, Brock Kreitzburg. “Safe water is critical during any disaster to prevent the spread of water-related illnesses, especially in the initial days following a disaster. Our engineering team will install safe water treatment systems, many of which can provide enough drinking water for up to 5,000 people each day.”

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 in nearly 140 countries around the world, including during Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, flooding in central Texas, wildfires in Los Angeles, 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

Anyone interested in supporting those impacted by the earthquake in Venezuela can donate to Airbnb.org—100% of donations go directly toward connecting people in crisis with emergency housing.