Airbnb.org Supports Refugee Families Displaced by Türkiye-Syria Earthquakes

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria, Airbnb.org (a US-based nonprofit) stepped up to offer assistance and financial support to UNHCR to provide temporary housing and accommodations for refugees displaced by the disaster.

Airbnb.org’s work began in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy hit New York. What began as one Airbnb host’s idea to open her home to people forced to evacuate has since evolved into an independent nonprofit providing temporary housing for people forced to flee their homes due to humanitarian crises and natural disasters. Since its founding, Airbnb.org has helped more than 250,000 people find temporary housing through its programs.

In 2016, Airbnb launched a donation campaign to raise funds for UNHCR, matching contributions from the Airbnb community and helping to raise over $1.6 million to support refugees globally. Over the past few years, USA for UNHCR and Airbnb.org have explored how they can work together. When the earthquakes in Türkiye struck, Airbnb.org was prepared to collaborate with USA for UNHCR to support both local and refugee populations, with many coming from vulnerable, marginalized backgrounds.

“Internationally, refugee resettlement schemes are at a really important inflection point,” said Moli Dow, the Response and Partnerships Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Airbnb.org. “In this climate, Airbnb.org is prioritizing finding and working with organizations – like UNHCR – who are embracing new models, programs and innovations to meet rising needs.”