Airbnb.org partners with Rotary to help Aussies displaced by disasters

Airbnb.org, the independent nonprofit founded by Airbnb, and Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) today announced a national partnership to provide access to free, temporary accommodation for Australians displaced by natural disasters and other emergencies. The partnership will connect Airbnb.org's ability to mobilise free emergency accommodation through homes on Airbnb with Rotary’s deep community relationships and humanitarian expertise.

How the partnership works:

Rotary will identify displaced individuals and families in need and refer them to Airbnb.org. Individuals and families will then receive credits to book free stays on Airbnb that best meet their needs. 

The initiative builds on Airbnb.org's global emergency housing program, which has already delivered more than 1.6 million nights of free temporary housing to people around the world. In Australia, Airbnb.org has supported eight disaster responses, providing close to 1,800 nights of free accommodation to Australians, including those impacted by the 2021 and 2025 NSW floods and Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

"Speed and access to comfortable emergency housing makes all the difference in helping individuals and families recover when disaster strikes. By leveraging Airbnb’s platform and network of hosts, we can quickly connect people to housing, and our national partnership with RAWCS will allow us to help more displaced Australians in times of crisis."

— Christine Chang, Director of Global Programs and Operations at Airbnb.org

From the Black Summer bushfires to recent floods across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, disasters continue to displace thousands of Australians each year – many of whom need a safe place to rest, recover and plan next steps, from finding permanent housing to filing insurance claims or connecting with employment and social services.

"This is exactly the kind of collaboration that changes outcomes for Australians in crisis. Airbnb.org brings accommodation access that strengthens our ability to respond quickly, flexibly, and at scale. Together, we can ensure that when disaster strikes, practical, dignified housing support is available to the families and individuals who need it most."

— Mahir Momand, Chief Executive Officer, RAWCS

More than 6.5 million homes are at risk of being impacted by natural disasters in Australia and each year, 23,000 people are displaced as a result of floods, bushfires and cyclones. 

With this partnership, Airbnb.org and Rotary will establish a scalable, nationally coordinated model for disaster accommodation response in Australia – one that can be activated quickly when communities need it most, and that ensures Australians in crisis are never left without a place to call home.

About RAWCS
Founded in 1966, Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) enables Rotary's humanitarian, development and disaster relief work across Australia and around the world. RAWCS supports a network of 1,008 Rotary Clubs and approximately 23,700 Rotarians across Australia, making it part of one of the largest volunteer frameworks in the country delivering sustainable projects that create lasting positive change for communities in need.