Refugees escaping Afghanistan now have a place to come home to thanks to Airbnb’s new offer in response to the humanitarian crisis

Online accommodation platform Airbnb will temporarily house 20,000 Afghan refugees globally free of charge.

The offer comes as the organisation works to help the majority who find themselves displaced after fleeing the war torn country, resettle around the world. 

Brian Chesky says his company felt a responsibility to step up to one of the biggest humanitarian crises of time.

“As tens of thousands of Afghan refugees resettle around the world, where they stay will be the first chapter in their new lives,” Chesky says.

“For these 20,000 refugees, my hope is that the Airbnb community will provide them with not only a safe place to rest and start over, but also a warm welcome home.”

The offer starts immediately and Airbnb is working with non-governmental organisations “on the ground” to help with the most pressing needs.

Helping others out is nothing new for Airbnb

Today’s announcement follows ongoing efforts by the company to help support those largely impacted by the humanitarian crisis. 

The accommodation platform gave emergency funding and support to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), HIAS and Church World Service to provide temporary relief for up to a thousand arriving refugees.

Already, 165 refugees find themselves in safe accommodation services shortly after touching down in the United States last week. 

David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, says accessible housing is urgently needed and essential in helping those who have fled Afghanistan resettle. 

“We are grateful to our partners at Airbnb.org and Airbnb for providing safe and welcoming places for individuals and families as they arrive in the United States and begin rebuilding their lives,” Miliband says. 

How much will this cost Airbnb?

Airbnb has not revealed how much the company plans to spend, or how long refugees will be housed for.

It follows a humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan, where thousands of people are seeking to flee the nation from the Taliban’s takeover before the August 31 deadline.