Airbnb has begun donating a portion of its revenue from every stay to Airbnb.org, the independent nonprofit that provides free, temporary housing to people in crisis. Airbnb says the new funding model will help provide $500 million to Airbnb.org over the next five years, putting it on a path to provide 1 million nights of free housing a year.

How the funding works

Airbnb says the model will not increase what guests pay or reduce host payouts, and that guests and hosts do not need to opt in or take any action. The $500 million is described as funding from Airbnb and additional donations.

How Airbnb.org works

Airbnb.org works with local nonprofit organisations and government partners to identify people who need support. It then provides credits to help guests book the Airbnb home that suits them best, whether that means staying near family, bringing pets, meeting accessibility needs or having enough room for a family. Guests stay for free and hosts are paid for the stay. Hosts can also offer discounted stays or donate a portion of their earnings. Airbnb covers Airbnb.org’s operating costs, so 100% of public donations go directly to free housing, and the company says it makes no money from Airbnb.org stays.

Track record

The idea 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. Airbnb says Airbnb.org has since provided more than 1.6 million nights of free housing to more than 250,000 people around the world. This year it has provided free temporary housing in response to more than 200 disasters, compared with eight in 2023.

Where the money will go

The funding will let Airbnb.org expand beyond disaster response:

• Families traveling for medical care: By the end of 2026, Airbnb.org says it will support such families in more than 20 countries, with partners including the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia and Children’s Miracle Network in the United States.
• Survivors of domestic violence and exploitation: A new program will offer free temporary stays to survivors who have left unsafe situations and are rebuilding, in partnership with organisations such as Peace House in Utah.
• Veterans in the United States: Support is expanding for veterans facing serious illness or intensive treatment, with Fisher House Foundation, Dream Foundation and Operation Healing Forces.

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