Airbnb announces it will temporarily house 20,000 Afghan refugees for free

(08 24 21) Airbnb announced Tuesday that it plans to temporarily house 20,000 Afghan refugees Around the world, free of charge. The refugees will be housed in properties that are already listed on Airbnb’s platform and volunteered by hosts, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said on Twitter.

The cost of the stays will be funded by the company and contributions made by Chesky, who reportedly has a net worth of about $12.3 billion, as well as other donations made to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund.

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