Recognizing our community of veteran Hosts
Key Takeaways
- Hosting can provide veterans with additional income and flexibility to help keep up with the rising cost of living.
- In 2021, US Hosts who self-reported to be veterans collectively earned nearly $64 million.
Key Takeaways
- Hosting can provide veterans with additional income and flexibility to help keep up with the rising cost of living.
- In 2021, US Hosts who self-reported to be veterans collectively earned nearly $64 million.
As Veterans Day in the US approaches, Airbnb is proud to recognize our community of veterans and active duty military Hosts who have made tremendous sacrifices to serve their country — and who now welcome guests from around the world to their homes.
Since 2008, Airbnb has made it possible for people to earn additional income. According to an internal Airbnb survey, roughly 13 percent of Hosts in the US are veterans or count a veteran as part of their household1. Last year, Hosts in the US who self-reported to be veterans collectively earned nearly $64 million.
Airbnb provides veterans and active duty military Hosts with the flexibility to share their home depending on potential deployments and other duties that require time away from home.
Veronica Steele and Marion “Duke” Mills of Port Huron, Michigan
Duke Mills is a 100 percent service connected disabled US Veteran and is unable to work. He and his wife, Veronica, decided to become Hosts to help supplement Duke’s disability pension. The couple was able to use the Veterans Home Loan program to buy a home in Port Huron, MI that is large enough for guests.
“Our earnings from hosting not only improve my husband’s life, but allow us to improve the lives of others, including people we hire to assist us with our home and the veterans organizations we donate to,” Veronica shared. “Hosting has made our dream of financial independence come true when we didn’t think it was possible with disabilities.”
Duke and Veronica are also frequent travelers and choose Airbnb because of the community and connections they’ve experienced. “Airbnb is about creating a community. Through hosting and traveling, you’ll create connections that will stay with you for the rest of your life.”
Johanna and Jay Hipp of Fort Gordon, GA
Johanna Hipp is an active duty Army officer stationed at Fort Gordon, GA, and her husband, Jay Hipp, serves as a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Johanna and Jay decided to become Hosts when they learned of the demand for lodging during the local Masters Golf Tournament every April, and now host year round.
“Hosting has definitely boosted our income to compensate for higher costs of living in this area,” Johanna shared. “It also provides options if we choose to retire after 20 years in the Army. We really enjoy it and most of all, we enjoy hearing how guests love the property as much as we do!”
The Hipps also use the additional income from their property in Augusta, GA, to give back to their community and make their home more accessible for people with disabilities and accessibility needs, including veterans. “Hosting has allowed us to donate to those who are in need as a result of the economy and natural disasters. We’ve donated to those impacted by Hurricane Ian and recent campaigns to fight cancer,” Johanna said. “The extra income supported purchase of entrance ramps to the house, and installation of bathrooms bars to accommodate guests with disabilities. We’re always trying to improve the house to accommodate future guests’ needs.”
Anthane Richie of Chesapeake, VA
Active duty Navy Chief Petty Officer Anthane Richie is Superhost of Comfortable Home in Chesapeake, VA. He says hosting completely changed his life. With the extra income he earns by sharing his home, Anthane added additional furniture and decor, and even a laundry room for guests. “The earnings have allowed me to increase the value of my property,” he shared. “I take pride in making our guests feel as comfortable as possible and have made adjustments after feedback.”
At Airbnb, we want to thank all veterans for their sacrifice and service to our country.