Starting today, Airbnb will donate a portion of its revenue from every stay to Airbnb.org, which provides free, temporary housing to people in times of crisis. The new funding model will help provide $500 million USD to Airbnb.org over the next five years, putting the nonprofit on a path to provide 1 million nights of free housing annually. This funding will also allow Airbnb.org to expand its work to support families traveling for medical care, survivors fleeing domestic violence and exploitation, and more.
The idea for Airbnb.org began in 2012 when a host opened her home to people displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Other hosts followed, and in 2020 the effort inspired Airbnb to found Airbnb.org, an independent nonprofit. Since then, Airbnb.org has provided more than 1.6 million nights of free housing to more than 250,000 people around the world.
“Fourteen years ago, after Hurricane Sandy hit, one host opened her home to people who had nowhere else to go. That simple act of generosity grew into Airbnb.org. Since then, we’ve helped provide more than 1.6 million nights of free housing to people in crisis. Now, every time someone books a home on Airbnb, they’ll help someone else find a place to stay when they need it most. That’s Airbnb at its best,” said Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb.
This new funding model will not increase what guests pay or reduce host payouts. Guests and hosts don’t need to opt in or take any action.
Expanding Airbnb.org’s impact
The scale of Airbnb.org’s work is growing rapidly. This year, Airbnb.org has provided free temporary housing in response to more than 200 disasters, compared with just eight in 2023. At the same time, Airbnb.org is expanding beyond disaster response to more situations where free temporary stays can provide comfort and stability. The US$500 million in funding from Airbnb and additional donations will help Airbnb.org expand its work to include:
- Families traveling for medical care: By the end of 2026, Airbnb.org will support families traveling for medical care in more than 20 countries, in partnerships with the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia, Instituto Beaba in Brazil, B.C. Friends of Children in Canada, Fundación Xana in Spain, and Children’s Miracle Network in the United States, among others.
- Survivors of domestic violence and exploitation: A new program will provide free, temporary stays for survivors who have left unsafe situations and are rebuilding, in partnership with Peace House in Utah, among others.
- Veterans in the United States: Airbnb.org is expanding support for veterans facing serious illness or undergoing intensive treatment, in partnership with Fisher House Foundation, Dream Foundation and Operation Healing Forces.
Airbnb.org in Thailand
Since 2020, Airbnb.org has provided more than 7,200 nights of free emergency housing in Thailand, including during the March 2025 earthquake in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Zendai Foundation, and Hat Yai flooding in 2025.
When families need a place to stay during a crisis, Airbnb.org helps them find one quickly. In 2026, nearly 60% of Airbnb.org check-ins around the world happened within 24 hours of booking.
Airbnb.org signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the BMA this year, to help provide free emergency housing for people displaced by disasters and first responders during times of crisis. This partnership is designed to accelerate access to temporary housing for people displaced by disasters across Bangkok.
Pornphrom Vikitsreth, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, said, “In the aftermath of a disaster, having access to a comfortable place to stay can make a meaningful difference to those affected. Our experience working with Airbnb.org following the 2025 earthquake showed how timely temporary accommodation can help people during some of their most difficult moments. Building on that experience, we formalised our partnership with Airbnb.org this year, allowing us to work more closely together and respond more effectively to future emergencies. We greatly value Airbnb.org’s continued commitment to our city and are focused on translating this partnership into practical support for communities, so that we can help more people in times of crisis.”
Airbnb host Tatiya Uttarathiyang, said, “After the earthquake, so many people were stranded, unable to get home and unsure where they would sleep. Through Airbnb.org, I was able to open my doors and give people somewhere comfortable to stay during a very difficult time. What made this experience so meaningful was seeing the difference it made firsthand. It wasn’t just about providing a place to sleep, but helping people feel a little more secure when everything around them felt uncertain. I also encouraged other hosts to get involved, because I saw how even a small act of kindness could make a real difference.”
How Airbnb.org works
Airbnb.org is an independent nonprofit that provides free, temporary housing to people in times of crisis. It works with local nonprofit organizations and government partners to identify people who need support. Airbnb.org then provides credits to help guests to book the Airbnb home that works best for them — whether that means staying near family, bringing pets, accommodating accessibility needs, or simply having enough room for their family.
Guests supported by Airbnb.org stay for free, while hosts are paid for the stay. Hosts can also choose to support Airbnb.org by offering discounted stays or donating a portion of their Airbnb earnings.
Airbnb covers Airbnb.org’s operating costs, allowing 100 percent of public donations to go directly toward providing free housing. Airbnb makes no money from Airbnb.org stays.
