Airbnb says it's providing the service. Free temporary housing to residents of the Los Angeles area affected by the wildfires raging through Southern California. The company has partnered with 211 LA, a non-profit phone line that provides local information in multiple languages. Airbnb now says it is focused on helping residents from the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and Santa Monica areas. and Sylmar, the company may expand to serve other areas. and encourage people in the area Keep an eye on his blog. for updates
Airbnb will work with 211 LA to identify residents in need of temporary housing. and connects them with accommodations offered through the company's non-profit arm, Airbnb.org. which provides free stays through funds from companies and hosts who offer homes during disasters. The company says it has provided more than 1.6 million nights of emergency housing to approximately 250,000 people.
The home-sharing platform received criticism on Twitter/X after users posted that Airbnb had Refuse to rebook again to a new lodging away from the wildfires. The company told Gizmodo that the woman made the reservation on the afternoon of January 7, after the wildfires had already started. Which is why they initially refused to refund the money. Airbnb has since resolved the situation as a gesture of goodwill.
Other guests Reservations are continuing in the affected areas of Southern California. Eligible to end your trip early under Airbnb's Major Disruption Policy and will receive funding for the remaining nights of your stay. If your stay has not yet started Users can cancel to receive a full refund. Hosts can cancel stays in affected areas without any repercussions.
Thank you Airbnb. pic.twitter.com/4BeL26L8Yj
– Ana Mostarac (@anammostarac) January 8, 2025
Until now, at least Two people died Report received And at least 1,000 structures have been destroyed as three major fires continue to rage across the Los Angeles area. Videos on social media depict damage in wealthy areas, including the destroyed Pacific Palisades.
This is crazy. Pacific Palisades looks like a war zone. Thousands of acres were damaged in one day. Hopefully the fire will be extinguished soon. pic.twitter.com/1PnZOqnxCk
— Fluency (@litcapital) January 8, 2025