Air BNB provides 700 free nights to flood victims

In response to December’s catastrophic flooding that displaced hundreds of families across Washington, global stay and experience platform Airbnb is providing 700 free nights of temporary housing to support households and first responders in urgent need of safe, stable shelter. This rapid housing initiative is being coordinated by United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) in partnership with United Way of Pierce County. The two groups are working closely with county emergency management disaster case managers who are working directly with affected families to place eligible households as quickly as possible.

Through this partnership, up to 100 families may receive up to seven nights of temporary housing, with longer stays available if needed, based on individual circumstances and availability. This program is designed to help families transition out of emergency shelters as those sites wind down, and to prioritize individuals for whom congregate shelter is not a suitable option.

"Having a stable place to stay after being displaced by the flooding has meant everything to our family,” said Jose and Brisyeda, whose family was the first placed in Airbnb housing in Yakima County. A portion of their home was swept away by the river. “In the middle of so much uncertainty, it gave us a sense of safety and normalcy when our lives felt completely turned upside down. Knowing we had a secure roof over our heads allowed us to focus on getting through each day instead of constantly worrying about where we would sleep or how we would keep our family together."

According to UWPNW, priority placement will be given to families currently supported by the American Red Cross and individuals residing in emergency shelters, households with young children, older adults, individuals with accessibility needs or health-related vulnerabilities. In addition to displaced households, Airbnb is also making housing available to first responders and disaster recovery volunteers who are on the front lines supporting flood-impacted communities. UWPNW, in partnership with United Way of Pierce County, will manage the intake process and coordinate placements. To qualify, households must be in good standing with Airbnb and meet eligibility criteria established for this emergency response. This housing support is part of a broader, coordinated disaster recovery effort led by United Ways of the Pacific Northwest to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery for communities impacted by historic flooding. As UWPNW continues to work with impacted communities across the state and assess long-term recovery needs, programs that offer individual cash assistance are currently being stood up to support households with their short-term needs.

United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) is the regional trade association for 32 local United Ways in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. United Ways in the Pacific Northwest are committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good in the areas of education, income, and health. Its mission is to advance the common good throughout the Pacific Northwest by enhancing the individual and collective ability of member United Ways to impact their communities and collaborate on regional and statewide issues.